Chemical Engineer - Process Optimization

Placements24; George; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Retirement benefits

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Mahikeng, North West hires a Chemical Engineer focused on process optimization for on-site manufacturing improvements. The role emphasizes data-driven analysis, pilot studies, and cross-functional teamwork to enhance efficiency, yield, and cost-effectiveness of existing production processes.

The candidate should have a chemical engineering degree and 4+ years of experience, with strong fundamentals in thermodynamics and heat transfer, plus familiarity with safety and quality

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in chemical manufacturing focusing on process improvement and optimization.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat/mass transfer.
• Proficiency with data analysis tools and techniques (e.g., Excel, statistical software).
• Experience with process simulation software is desirable.
• Good problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for cross-functional teams.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies is a plus.
• Familiarity with process safety principles.

Responsibilities

• Analyze process data to identify efficiency, yield, energy consumption, and waste reduction opportunities.
• Develop and implement process optimization strategies and projects.
• Conduct pilot studies and plant trials to validate process improvements.
• Troubleshoot operational issues and provide technical support to production teams.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and R&D to implement process changes.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, including P&IDs, operating procedures, and performance reports.
• Ensure process modifications comply with safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Monitor process performance against key metrics and identify opportunities for further optimization.
• Stay updated on new technologies and methodologies for process improvement.
• Assist in the technical evaluation of new equipment and process technologies.

Skills

Data analysis

Process optimization

Problem-solving

Communication

Multi-tasking

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Excel

Statistical software

Process simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant contributor to the industrial chemicals market, is seeking a motivated Chemical Engineer focused on Process Optimization to join their manufacturing team in Mahikeng, North West. This role is essential for enhancing the efficiency, yield, and cost-effectiveness of existing chemical production processes. The successful candidate will apply chemical engineering principles, data analysis, and innovative problem-solving techniques to identify and implement improvements across various plant operations. This is a hands-on, on-site position, vital for the continuous improvement efforts at the Mahikeng facility.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze process data to identify areas for improvement in efficiency, yield, energy consumption, and waste reduction.
• Develop and implement process optimization strategies and projects.
• Conduct pilot studies and plant trials to validate process improvements.
• Troubleshoot operational issues and provide technical support to production teams.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and R&D departments to implement process changes.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, including P&IDs, operating procedures, and performance reports.
• Ensure that all process modifications comply with safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Monitor process performance against key metrics and identify opportunities for further optimization.
• Stay updated on new technologies and methodologies for process improvement.
• Assist in the technical evaluation of new equipment and process technologies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in a chemical manufacturing environment, with a focus on process improvement and optimization.
• Strong understanding of chemical engineering principles, including thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat/mass transfer.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools and techniques (e.g., Excel, statistical software).
• Experience with process simulation software is desirable.
• Good problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to work with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies is a plus.
• Familiarity with process safety principles.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical and retirement benefits, and opportunities for professional development. This role provides significant exposure to diverse chemical processes and the chance to make a tangible impact on operational performance at the Mahikeng, North West site.