Chemical Engineer - Production Support

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid benefits

Retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a proactive Chemical Engineer to provide production support in Upington, Northern Cape. You will troubleshoot issues, optimize processes, and implement improvements to yield, quality, and safety, working closely with operators and maintenance teams.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering and 3–5 years of experience in a production/process environment, with strong analytical and communication skills for effective cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering is required.
• 3–5 years of experience in a production support or process engineering role within the chemical industry.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and optimize chemical manufacturing processes.
• Solid grasp of reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and mass transfer, plus instrumental familiarity.
• Strong communication and ability to work with plant personnel.

Responsibilities

• Provide immediate technical support to the production team to resolve operational issues and minimize downtime.
• Monitor process performance and identify opportunities for optimization to improve efficiency and product quality.
• Analyze process data to troubleshoot deviations and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with maintenance teams to ensure equipment reliability and integrity.
• Develop and update SOPs and process documentation.
• Train operators and technicians on process changes and best practices.
• Ensure adherence to SHE regulations and company policies.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Process optimization

Data analysis

Communication

Independent work

Safety procedures

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process control systems

Instrumentation

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a proactive and technically adept Chemical Engineer to provide essential production support in Upington, Northern Cape . This role is crucial for ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of our chemical manufacturing processes. You will work closely with plant operators and maintenance teams to troubleshoot production issues, optimize process parameters, and implement improvements that enhance yield, quality, and safety. The ideal candidate will possess a strong practical understanding of chemical engineering principles and excellent problem-solving skills. This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer looking to make a tangible impact on production in the dynamic Upington, Northern Cape area.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide immediate technical support to the production team to resolve operational issues and minimize downtime.
• Monitor process performance and identify opportunities for optimization to improve efficiency and product quality.
• Analyze process data to troubleshoot deviations and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with maintenance teams to ensure equipment reliability and integrity.
• Assist in the development and implementation of process improvements and new technologies.
• Ensure adherence to all safety, health, and environmental (SHE) regulations and company policies.
• Develop and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) and process documentation.
• Participate in process hazard analyses (PHAs) and risk assessments.
• Train operators and technicians on process changes and best practices.
• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a production support or process engineering role within the chemical industry.
• Proven experience in troubleshooting and optimizing chemical manufacturing processes.
• Solid understanding of chemical engineering fundamentals, including reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and mass transfer.
• Familiarity with process control systems and instrumentation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with plant personnel.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Knowledge of safety procedures and environmental regulations.
• Experience in the agricultural chemicals, mining, or water treatment sectors is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical aid benefits, and a retirement fund. We provide a supportive work environment with opportunities for professional development and growth. Employees in Upington, Northern Cape benefit from working in a region known for its agricultural significance and natural beauty. The company is committed to operational excellence and employee well-being. This role is ideal for an engineer seeking hands-on experience in a production-focused environment.