Chemical Plant Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid benefits

Pension fund membership

Professional development and training

Stable employment

Challenging and engaging work

Career progression opportunities

Annual bonus

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Chemical Plant Engineer for an Upington-based role focused on safe, efficient operation and continuous improvement of a chemical processing plant.

You will oversee daily plant activities, drive process optimization, ensure regulatory SHE compliance, and lead small capital projects while coordinating with operations and maintenance teams. A strong troubleshooting mindset and commitment to excellence are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering with chemical plant experience.
• At least 4 years of chemical plant operations, maintenance, or process engineering.
• Strong knowledge of chemical processes, equipment, and plant safety.
• Experience with process troubleshooting and problem-solving.
• Ability to manage projects and coordinate with teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operation and maintenance of chemical plant equipment and processes.
• Develop and implement process optimization strategies.
• Ensure SHE (Safety, Health, and Environmental) compliance.
• Manage minor capital projects including scope, vendors, and execution.
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Develop SOPs and maintenance schedules.
• Collaborate with operators, maintenance staff and management.
• Monitor performance metrics and report KPIs.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising safety or quality.
• Support continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Skills

Process optimization

Troubleshooting

Safety compliance

Project management

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

About the Role WhatJobs Direct is recruiting for a Chemical Plant Engineer on behalf of our client, to be based in Upington, Northern Cape . This role is essential for the efficient and safe operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the chemical processing plant. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing daily plant activities, ensuring equipment reliability, and implementing projects that enhance productivity and reduce operational costs. This position offers a challenging yet rewarding career opportunity within a key industrial sector. We are seeking a hands-on engineer with strong problem-solving skills and a commitment to operational excellence. You will play a crucial role in ensuring the plant meets its production targets while adhering to stringent safety and environmental standards. The role requires a proactive approach to identifying and resolving potential issues before they impact operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the operation and maintenance of chemical plant equipment and processes.
• Develop and implement strategies for process optimization and efficiency improvement.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, health, and environmental (SHE) regulations.
• Manage minor capital projects, including scope development, vendor selection, and execution.
• Conduct root cause analysis of equipment failures and process deviations, implementing corrective actions.
• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and maintenance schedules.
• Collaborate with operators, maintenance staff, and management to achieve production goals.
• Monitor plant performance metrics and report on key operational indicators.
• Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives without compromising safety or quality.
• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering with relevant chemical plant experience.
• A minimum of 4 years of experience in a chemical plant environment, focusing on operations, maintenance, or process engineering.
• Strong understanding of chemical processes, equipment, and plant safety principles.
• Experience with process troubleshooting and problem-solving.
• Knowledge of relevant industry regulations and standards.
• Good project management and organizational skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently.
• Residency or willingness to relocate to Upington, Northern Cape .

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
• Medical aid benefits.
• Pension fund membership.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• Stable employment in a vital industry.
• Challenging and engaging work environment.
• Potential for career progression within the company.
• Annual bonus based on performance.