Chemical Engineer - Production Support

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Provident fund

Hands-on development opportunities

Safe and supportive work environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a proactive Chemical Engineer to join the production support team in Bloemfontein, Free State. You will troubleshoot processes, optimize operations, and drive continuous improvement in a safe manufacturing environment.

The ideal candidate holds a BEng in Chemical Engineering with at least 3 years in chemical production or process support, including experience with process control and safety compliance. You will work closely with operators and management on site.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a chemical manufacturing or production support role.
• Practical experience in troubleshooting industrial chemical processes.
• Strong understanding of unit operations and process control.
• Familiarity with safety protocols and environmental regulations in a plant setting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with process simulation software is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide immediate technical support to production teams to resolve process upsets and equipment malfunctions.
• Monitor KPIs and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, yield, and quality.
• Participate in PHAs and ensure safety procedures are followed and updated.
• Support implementation of process modifications and capital projects with minimal production disruption.
• Develop and maintain SOPs and operator training materials.
• Analyze production data to identify trends and optimization opportunities.
• Collaborate with QC, maintenance, and R&D to address production challenges.
• Assist in troubleshooting quality issues and implementing corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations.
• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Communication

Plant operations knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process simulation software

Microsoft Office

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant manufacturer in the agricultural chemicals sector, requires a proactive Chemical Engineer to join their production support team in Bloemfontein, Free State . This role is essential for ensuring the smooth, efficient, and safe operation of the manufacturing plant. You will provide technical expertise to troubleshoot production issues, optimize processes, and support continuous improvement initiatives. The successful candidate will have a solid understanding of chemical engineering principles and a practical approach to problem-solving. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the agricultural industry's supply chain in the heart of the Free State , working within a supportive plant environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide immediate technical support to production teams to resolve process upsets and equipment malfunctions.
• Monitor key process performance indicators (KPIs) and identify opportunities for improvement in efficiency, yield, and quality.
• Participate in process hazard analyses (PHAs) and ensure that safety procedures are followed and updated.
• Support the implementation of process modifications and capital projects, ensuring minimal disruption to production.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) and operator training materials.
• Analyze production data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and areas for optimization.
• Collaborate with quality control, maintenance, and R&D departments to address production challenges.
• Assist in troubleshooting quality issues and implementing corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with all environmental and safety regulations relevant to plant operations.
• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a chemical manufacturing or production support role.
• Practical experience in troubleshooting industrial chemical processes.
• Good understanding of unit operations and process control.
• Familiarity with safety protocols and environmental regulations in a plant setting.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with plant operators and management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with process simulation software is a plus.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Proactive attitude and a willingness to learn.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, medical aid, and a provident fund.
• This position provides significant opportunities for hands-on experience and professional development within a stable industry.
• Being part of a core production team in Bloemfontein offers direct impact and visibility.
• Our client is committed to providing a safe and supportive work environment.
• This role requires full-time presence at the plant in Bloemfontein .