Chemical Engineer - Plant Support

Placements24; East London; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 560,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a dedicated Chemical Engineer to join our client’s manufacturing facility in East London, Eastern Cape. You will support daily plant operations, troubleshoot issues, and implement minor process modifications to improve efficiency and safety.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering with 2–4 years in a chemical plant setting, is hands-on, and collaborates well with operations and maintenance teams to uphold high safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• 24 years of experience in a chemical plant or manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of unit operations and process safety.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• On-site role, willing to relocate to East London.
• Good communication and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support to plant operations and troubleshooting teams.
• Monitor process performance and identify areas for incremental improvement.
• Assist in the implementation of process changes and upgrades.
• Conduct root cause analysis for process upsets and equipment malfunctions.
• Ensure adherence to safety, health, and environmental procedures.
• Develop and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) for plant processes.
• Collaborate with maintenance on equipment reliability and preventative maintenance.
• Participate in process safety reviews and hazard assessments.
• Manage chemical inventory and process material flows.
• Train plant operators and technicians on process operations and safety protocols.

Skills

Chemical engineering

Troubleshooting

Process optimization

Safety compliance

Teamwork

Education

Bachelorss degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process control systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client operates a key manufacturing facility and requires a dedicated Chemical Engineer to provide essential support to their plant operations in East London, Eastern Cape . This role is focused on ensuring the smooth, efficient, and safe running of daily production processes. You will be involved in troubleshooting operational issues, implementing minor process modifications, and supporting plant personnel with technical expertise. This is a critical on-site role requiring a hands-on approach and a strong understanding of industrial chemical processes. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver with excellent interpersonal skills, capable of working effectively within a plant environment. Join a team committed to operational excellence and contribute directly to the success of our manufacturing endeavors. This position offers a stable career path within a reputable organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical support to plant operations and troubleshooting teams.


• Monitor process performance and identify areas for incremental improvement.


• Assist in the implementation of process changes and upgrades.


• Conduct root cause analysis for process upsets and equipment malfunctions.


• Ensure adherence to safety, health, and environmental procedures.


• Develop and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) for plant processes.


• Collaborate with maintenance teams on equipment reliability and preventative maintenance.


• Participate in process safety reviews and hazard assessments.


• Manage chemical inventory and process material flows.


• Train plant operators and technicians on process operations and safety protocols.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.


• 2-4 years of experience in a chemical plant or manufacturing environment.


• Good understanding of chemical engineering principles and unit operations.


• Familiarity with process safety concepts and regulations.


• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.


• Effective communication and teamwork abilities.


• Ability to work effectively on-site in a manufacturing setting.


• Must be based in or willing to relocate to East London, Eastern Cape .


• Proactive attitude and willingness to learn.


• Experience with process control systems is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.


• Medical aid and retirement fund contributions.


• Opportunity for hands-on experience in plant operations.


• Stable employment with a growing company.


• Contribution to essential manufacturing processes.


• Supportive team environment.