Chemical Engineer - Project Execution

Placements24; Vereeniging; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle

Travel allowance

Medical & retirement benefits

Annual bonus

Professional development (PMP)

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a proactive Chemical Engineer for its projects team in Vereeniging, Gauteng. The role focuses on execution phase of capital projects, ensuring safe design, construction, and commissioning of new chemical plants and modifications, on time and within budget.

This is a dynamic opportunity to contribute to major infrastructure developments in Vereeniging. You will collaborate with project managers, engineers from multiple disciplines, and construction teams, applying strong

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• 5–7 years' experience in chemical project execution, design or construction management.
• Strong understanding of chemical process design and safety principles.
• Experience in site supervision, commissioning, and start-up operations.
• Familiarity with project management methodologies and tools.
• Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and leadership skills.
• Ability to read P&IDs and PFDs.
• Willingness to relocate to Vereeniging, SA.

Responsibilities

• Support project managers in the execution of chemical engineering projects from inception through to commissioning.
• Review and approve engineering designs, specifications, and vendor documentation.
• Coordinate with mechanical, electrical, civil disciplines and procurement teams.
• Oversee site construction activities, ensuring compliance with design specifications and safety standards.
• Manage vendor and contractor performance during project execution.
• Participate in HAZOP studies, risk assessments, and safety reviews.
• Develop and execute commissioning plans, ensuring smooth plant start-up.
• Troubleshoot issues that arise during construction and commissioning phases.
• Ensure all project activities comply with relevant codes, standards, and environmental regulations in Vereeniging.
• Prepare project reports and documentation, tracking progress and identifying potential risks.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Engineering drawings (P&IDs, PFDs)

Communication

Safety principles

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading industrial conglomerate with significant operations in Vereeniging, Gauteng, is seeking a proactive Chemical Engineer to join their projects team. This role will focus on the execution phase of capital projects, ensuring that new chemical plants and process modifications are designed, constructed, and commissioned safely, on time, and within budget. The successful candidate will work closely with project managers, engineers from various disciplines, and construction teams to deliver complex engineering solutions. We are looking for a detail-oriented individual with strong project management skills and a solid understanding of chemical process design and safety principles. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to significant infrastructure development in the Vereeniging region and gain valuable experience in project execution within a large-scale industrial environment. Join a company renowned for its commitment to excellence and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Support project managers in the execution of chemical engineering projects from inception through to commissioning.
• Review and approve engineering designs, specifications, and vendor documentation.
• Coordinate with engineering disciplines (mechanical, electrical, civil) and procurement teams.
• Oversee site construction activities, ensuring compliance with design specifications and safety standards.
• Manage vendor and contractor performance during project execution.
• Participate in HAZOP studies, risk assessments, and safety reviews.
• Develop and execute commissioning plans, ensuring smooth plant start-up.
• Troubleshoot issues that arise during construction and commissioning phases.
• Ensure all project activities comply with relevant codes, standards, and environmental regulations in Vereeniging.
• Prepare project reports and documentation, tracking progress and identifying potential risks.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field.
• 5-7 years of experience in chemical project execution, design, or construction management.
• Strong understanding of chemical process design, equipment, and safety principles.
• Proven experience in site supervision, commissioning, and start-up operations.
• Familiarity with project management methodologies and tools.
• Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and leadership skills.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings (P&IDs, PFDs).
• Effective communication and coordination skills with diverse stakeholders.
• Must hold the right to work in South Africa and reside in or be willing to relocate to the Vereeniging, Gauteng area.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Annual bonus opportunities based on project performance.
• Generous paid time off.
• Opportunities for professional development and PMP certification.
• Exposure to large-scale, impactful projects in Vereeniging.
• A dynamic and challenging work environment.
• Company vehicle or travel allowance may be provided.