Chemical Plant Operations Engineer

Placements24; Kempton Park; Hybrid; ZAR 850,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Career advancement

Training and development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a dedicated Chemical Plant Operations Engineer for a hybrid role in Gauteng (Tembisa). You will oversee plant operations, troubleshoot process issues, and drive continuous improvements to ensure safety and production targets.

The successful candidate has a minimum of 5 years in chemical plant operations or process engineering, strong analytical skills, and good collaboration with maintenance and safety teams. On-site in Tembisa as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or closely related discipline.
• At least 5 years of experience in chemical plant operations or process engineering.
• Experience with safety protocols and risk assessments.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of chemical processing units to ensure production efficiency.
• Monitor process parameters, address deviations, and ensure product quality and safety.
• Coordinate with maintenance for preventative and corrective maintenance.
• Support PHAs and implement recommendations to improve plant safety.
• Develop operating procedures and training materials for operators.
• Analyze production data to identify trends and opportunities for optimization.
• Support commissioning and start-up of new equipment and process changes.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations.

Skills

Strong analytical and problem-solving

Effective communication and teamwork

Independence and collaboration

Safety knowledge and risk assessments

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dedicated Chemical Plant Operations Engineer to join their established team in Tembisa, Gauteng. This hybrid role offers a blend of on-site operational oversight and remote planning, allowing for a dynamic work experience. You will be instrumental in ensuring the safe, efficient, and continuous operation of our chemical manufacturing facilities. This position requires a hands‑on approach combined with strong analytical skills to troubleshoot issues and implement process improvements. The successful candidate will be a key contributor to maintaining high production standards and driving operational excellence within the plant. We value individuals who are committed to safety and operational integrity, with a proactive mindset towards problem-solving and continuous improvement. This role is ideal for an engineer looking to make a tangible impact in a vital industrial setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of chemical processing units, ensuring smooth and efficient production.
• Monitor process parameters, identify deviations, and implement corrective actions to maintain product quality and safety standards.
• Collaborate with maintenance teams to schedule and execute preventative and corrective maintenance activities.
• Participate in process hazard analyses (PHAs) and implement recommendations to enhance plant safety.
• Develop and refine operating procedures and training materials for plant operators.
• Analyze production data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for process optimization.
• Support the commissioning and start-up of new equipment and process modifications.
• Ensure compliance with all environmental, health, and safety regulations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• At least 5 years of experience in chemical plant operations, process engineering, or a similar role.
• Demonstrated understanding of chemical plant operations, unit operations, and process control.
• Experience with safety protocols and conducting risk assessments is essential.
• Familiarity with process simulation software is a plus.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a methodical approach.
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities, suitable for a hybrid work model.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to be on-site in Tembisa as required by the hybrid schedule.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Opportunities for career advancement within a growing company.
• Training and development programs to enhance technical skills.
• A supportive team environment and collaborative workplace.
• Hybrid work model providing flexibility.