Chemical Engineer - Process Design & Development

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement fund contributions

Performance bonuses

Training & development

Job summary

Placements24 in Nelspruit is seeking a Chemical Engineer with expertise in process design and development to design, optimize and scale new chemical processes for the specialty chemicals market. You will collaborate with R&D, operations, and project teams to translate ideas into viable industrial applications, ensuring safety, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness while meeting market needs.

The role offers hands-on design experience, cross-functional teamwork, and opportunities to impact

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of 4 years' experience in chemical process design and development.
• Proficiency with process simulation tools and PFD/PID development.

Responsibilities

• Develop conceptual designs for new chemical processes and unit operations.
• Create and refine PFDs and P&IDs.
• Perform mass and energy balance calculations.
• Model process performance using Aspen HYSYS/ChemCAD.
• Conduct feasibility studies and economic evaluations.
• Collaborate with vendors for equipment specs.
• Support pilot plant design and scale-up.
• Ensure safety, health, and environmental compliance.
• Prepare technical reports and process documentation.

Skills

Process design

PFD/PID development

Mass and energy balance

Team collaboration

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen HYSYS

ChemCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and growing entity in the specialty chemicals market, is seeking a talented Chemical Engineer with expertise in Process Design and Development to join their team in Nelspruit. This role will involve the conceptualization, design, and optimization of new chemical processes and the improvement of existing ones, with a focus on efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. You will work closely with R&D, operations, and project teams to translate innovative ideas into viable industrial applications. The ideal candidate will possess a strong theoretical foundation in chemical engineering, practical design experience, and proficiency with process simulation tools. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to impactful projects in a growing sector, based in the scenic region of Nelspruit. You will have the chance to hone your skills in process design, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration. The role requires a detail-oriented and analytical engineer committed to delivering robust and innovative process solutions that meet market needs and environmental standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop conceptual designs for new chemical processes and unit operations.
• Create and refine Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs) and Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs).
• Perform mass and energy balance calculations for process design.
• Utilize process simulation software (e.g., Aspen HYSYS, ChemCAD) to model and analyze process performance.
• Conduct feasibility studies and economic evaluations for proposed process designs.
• Collaborate with equipment vendors to ensure appropriate selection and specification of process equipment.
• Support pilot plant design and operation for process validation and scale-up studies.
• Troubleshoot and optimize existing chemical processes to improve yield, reduce energy consumption, and minimize waste.
• Ensure process designs comply with safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Prepare technical reports, design packages, and process documentation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in chemical process design and development.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (Aspen HYSYS, ChemCAD, or similar).
• Strong understanding of chemical engineering fundamentals, including thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat/mass transfer.
• Experience with P&ID development and interpretation.
• Knowledge of process safety principles and hazard analysis techniques is desirable.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and manage multiple tasks.
• Familiarity with different chemical manufacturing processes is an advantage.
• Must be eligible to work in South Africa.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health insurance, retirement fund contributions, and opportunities for professional growth and development.
• This role is based in Nelspruit, providing a stimulating work environment and the chance to work on exciting new projects.
• Benefits include performance bonuses, ongoing training programs, and a supportive company culture that values innovation and employee well-being.