Chemical Engineer - Process Design & Simulation

Placements24; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Professional development

Diverse, challenging projects

Collaborative team environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Chemical Engineer (Process Design & Simulation) for our client in Paarl, Western Cape. You will model unit operations with leading software to optimize designs, balance energy, and improve safety across chemical plants.

You will create detailed design documents, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation teams on challenging projects in Paarl.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum 5 years in process design and simulation within chemical/petrochemical industries.
• Expertise in process simulation tools (Aspen Plus, HYSYS, ChemCAD).
• Strong fundamentals in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, and reaction engineering.

Responsibilities

• Develop conceptual and detailed process designs for chemical plants and facilities.
• Perform rigorous process simulations using Aspen Plus, HYSYS, ChemCAD to model unit operations.
• Optimize designs to improve efficiency, reduce energy use, minimize waste, enhance safety.
• Create PFDs, P&IDs, and equipment specifications.
• Conduct feasibility studies and techno-economic evaluations for new designs.
• Perform heat and material balance calculations for various scenarios.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate designs.
• Ensure designs meet codes and safety standards.
• Troubleshoot existing processes using simulation and data analysis.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations for clients.
• Mentor junior engineers in process design and simulation.

Skills

Process design

Process simulation

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

ChemCAD

CAD software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading engineering consultancy firm serving the chemical and process industries, is looking for a Chemical Engineer with a strong focus on Process Design and Simulation to join their team in Paarl, Western Cape . This role is central to developing innovative and efficient process designs for a diverse range of chemical plants and facilities. You will utilize advanced simulation software to model complex processes, optimize performance, and ensure designs meet client specifications, safety standards, and economic objectives. The ideal candidate will possess a robust understanding of chemical engineering principles, extensive experience with process simulation tools, and a keen eye for detail. This is an exciting opportunity for an engineer passionate about conceptual design and troubleshooting through simulation. You will work on challenging projects, collaborating with a team of experienced engineers and designers to deliver high-quality solutions. The role is based in the picturesque town of Paarl, Western Cape , offering a unique work-life balance.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop conceptual and detailed process designs for chemical plants and related facilities.
• Perform rigorous process simulations using software such as Aspen Plus, HYSYS, or similar tools to model unit operations, reactions, and plant-wide performance.
• Optimize process designs to improve efficiency, reduce energy consumption, minimize waste, and enhance safety.
• Create Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), and equipment specifications.
• Conduct feasibility studies and techno-economic evaluations for new process designs.
• Perform heat and material balance calculations for various process scenarios.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams (mechanical, electrical, instrumentation) to integrate process designs.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant industry codes, standards, and regulations.
• Troubleshoot existing processes using simulation and data analysis to identify improvement opportunities.
• Prepare technical reports, design documents, and presentations for clients.
• Mentor junior engineers in process design and simulation techniques.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process design and simulation within the chemical, petrochemical, or related industries.
• Demonstrated expertise in using process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS, ChemCAD).
• Strong understanding of chemical engineering fundamentals, including thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, and reaction engineering.
• Experience in developing PFDs, P&IDs, and equipment specifications.
• Knowledge of process safety principles and hazard analysis techniques is essential.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a meticulous attention to detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team and present technical information clearly.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with CAD software is a plus.
• Must be eligible to work in South Africa.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package, reflective of experience and expertise.
• Opportunities for professional development, continuous learning, and skill enhancement.
• Exposure to a wide variety of challenging and innovative projects.
• A supportive and collaborative team environment in Paarl, Western Cape .
• Contribution to sustainable and efficient industrial solutions.
• Paid time off and company holidays.
• Potential for career advancement within a respected engineering firm.