Chemical Process Design Engineer

Placements24; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading client in the mining and chemical processing sector is seeking a Chemical Process Design Engineer for our Klerksdorp, North West facility. The role involves conceptualizing, designing, and optimizing chemical processes from pilot to full-scale industrial implementation.

This hybrid position blends on-site collaboration with remote work, and requires teamwork across metallurgists, geologists, and project managers to deliver safe, efficient, and cost-effective designs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• 3–7 years of process design experience in mining or chemical processing.
• Proficiency with Aspen Plus, HYSYS, or similar.
• Strong grasp of unit operations, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and reaction engineering.
• Experience reading P&IDs and PFDs; knowledge of process safety (HAZOP).
• Excellent analytical and collaborative skills; capable of remote work.

Responsibilities

• Develop PFDs and P&IDs for new and existing processes.
• Conduct process simulations to evaluate design options.
• Perform mass and energy balances for unit operations.
• Specify equipment and prepare procurement specs.
• Support commissioning and start-up of new units.
• Conduct techno-economic feasibility studies for process development.
• Ensure designs meet safety and environmental standards.
• Collaborate with project teams during execution and resolve design issues.

Skills

Process design

Process simulations

PFDs & P&IDs reading

Hazop knowledge

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic force in the mining and chemical processing industry, is seeking a talented Chemical Process Design Engineer for their Klerksdorp, North West facility. This role is crucial for developing and refining the chemical processes that underpin our client's operations. You will be responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and optimizing chemical processes from pilot scale through to full industrial implementation. The position requires a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, ensuring designs are safe, efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally sound. This hybrid role allows for a balance between essential on-site collaboration and remote work, offering flexibility while ensuring project success. You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, including metallurgists, geologists, and project managers, to deliver innovative solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop process flow diagrams (PFDs) and piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs) for new and existing chemical processes.
• Conduct process simulations and modeling to evaluate design options and predict performance.
• Perform mass and energy balances for various unit operations.
• Specify process equipment and prepare technical specifications for procurement.
• Collaborate with project teams during the execution phase, providing engineering support and resolving design issues.
• Conduct feasibility studies and techno‑economic analyses for process development projects.
• Ensure process designs comply with all relevant industry standards, safety regulations, and environmental requirements.
• Support the commissioning and start-up of new process units.
• Assist in troubleshooting and debottlenecking existing operations.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design tools and methodologies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related discipline.
• 3-7 years of experience in process design and engineering, preferably within the mining or chemical processing sectors.
• Proficiency with process simulation software such as Aspen Plus, HYSYS, or similar.
• Strong understanding of unit operations, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and reaction engineering.
• Experience in reading and interpreting P&IDs and PFDs.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and conceptualization skills.
• Good communication and collaboration skills for effective teamwork.
• Knowledge of process safety principles (e.g., HAZOP).
• Ability to work effectively in both a collaborative office environment and remotely.
• Experience with design in Klerksdorp, North West industrial context is advantageous.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits including medical aid and retirement fund, and significant opportunities for professional growth and development. This hybrid position based in Klerksdorp, North West allows for a structured work-life balance. You'll be part of a reputable company engaged in critical industrial processes, with the chance to work on challenging and impactful design projects.