Chemical Engineer - Process Design & Development

Placements24; Paarl; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in Paarl, South Africa, seeks a Chemical Engineer to design, develop, and optimize chemical processes across client projects. You will work on feasibility studies through detailed engineering design, using advanced simulation tools and strong chemical engineering fundamentals.

The role combines office-based work with site visits, offering exposure to diverse industries and challenging projects in the Paarl region. Ideal for engineers with hands-on design experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• 4+ years of process design or related project experience.
• Strong fundamentals in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat/mass transfer.

Responsibilities

• Develop conceptual process designs, PFDs, and P&IDs.
• Perform mass and energy balances and equipment sizing.
• Use process simulation software to model performance.
• Conduct feasibility studies and techno-economic evaluations.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams for integrated delivery.
• Prepare design reports and client proposals.
• Support HAZOP studies and process safety reviews.
• Assist in troubleshooting and debottlenecking plant operations.
• Stay updated on industry practices and regulatory requirements.
• Present technical proposals to clients.

Skills

Process design

Mass & energy balances

Process simulation

Techno-economic evaluation

HAZOP support

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

ChemCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished engineering consultancy firm serving the chemical and process industries, is seeking a talented Chemical Engineer with a strong aptitude for process design and development. This role will involve conceptualizing, designing, and optimizing chemical processes for a diverse range of clients across various sectors. You will work on challenging projects, from feasibility studies to detailed engineering design, leveraging advanced simulation tools and your deep understanding of chemical engineering principles. The position offers a blend of office-based work and potential site visits, providing a dynamic career path within the vibrant industrial landscape of the Paarl, Western Cape region. This is an excellent opportunity to broaden your experience and contribute to innovative solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop conceptual process designs, flow diagrams (PFDs), and piping & instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs).
• Perform mass and energy balances, equipment sizing, and specification development.
• Utilize process simulation software to model and analyze process performance and identify optimization opportunities.
• Conduct feasibility studies and techno-economic evaluations for new processes and plant expansions.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary engineering teams (mechanical, electrical, civil) to ensure integrated project delivery.
• Prepare technical specifications for process equipment and instrumentation.
• Support HAZOP studies and process safety reviews during the design phase.
• Assist in troubleshooting and debottlenecking existing plant operations when required.
• Stay updated on industry best practices, emerging technologies, and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare design reports and present technical proposals to clients.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in process design, development, or project engineering within the chemical or related industries.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS, ChemCAD).
• Solid understanding of core chemical engineering principles, including thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat/mass