Chemical Process Engineer - Fertilizer Production

Placements24; Kempton Park; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Chemical Process Engineer to optimize and manage a fertilizer production facility in Tembisa, Gauteng. You will monitor processes, troubleshoot deviations, and drive continuous improvement in yield, energy efficiency, and waste reduction.

You will develop SOPs, lead PHAs, ensure EHS compliance, and collaborate with maintenance and operations to sustain equipment reliability and process integrity. A hands-on engineer role with shift coverage is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum 5 years of process engineering experience in chemical or fertilizer industries.
• Strong understanding of chemical processes relevant to fertilizer production.
• Experience with process control systems (DCS) and instrumentation.
• Knowledge of EHS regulations and process safety management.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting.
• Experience with project management is a plus.
• Willingness to work in a plant environment with occasional shift coverage.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and control chemical processes involved in fertilizer manufacturing (e.g., ammonia synthesis, granulation, prilling).
• Troubleshoot process deviations and implement corrective actions to maintain optimal production.
• Identify opportunities for process optimization to increase yield, reduce energy consumption, and minimize waste.
• Conduct regular process hazard analyses (PHAs) and implement safety improvements.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant environmental, health, and safety (EHS) regulations.
• Collaborate with maintenance and operations teams to ensure equipment reliability and process integrity.
• Participate in capital project planning and execution for plant upgrades and expansions.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all production processes.
• Analyze production data and prepare reports on plant performance and key metrics.
• Train operators and junior engineers on process operations and safety procedures.

Skills

Process engineering

Troubleshooting

Data analysis

Teamwork

Communication

Project management

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

DCS systems

Instrumentation

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a key player in the agricultural input sector, is seeking a diligent Chemical Process Engineer to optimize and manage their fertilizer production facility located in Tembisa, Gauteng, ZA . This role is critical for ensuring the efficient, safe, and environmentally sound production of high-quality fertilizers. The successful candidate will be responsible for process monitoring, troubleshooting, continuous improvement initiatives, and ensuring adherence to strict safety and quality standards. This is an excellent opportunity for a hands‑on engineer to contribute to a vital industry and play a significant role in agricultural productivity.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor and control chemical processes involved in fertilizer manufacturing (e.g., ammonia synthesis, granulation, prilling).
• Troubleshoot process deviations and implement corrective actions to maintain optimal production.
• Identify opportunities for process optimization to increase yield, reduce energy consumption, and minimize waste.
• Conduct regular process hazard analyses (PHAs) and implement safety improvements.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant environmental, health, and safety (EHS) regulations.
• Collaborate with maintenance and operations teams to ensure equipment reliability and process integrity.
• Participate in capital project planning and execution for plant upgrades and expansions.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all production processes.
• Analyze production data and prepare reports on plant performance and key metrics.
• Train operators and junior engineers on process operations and safety procedures.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process engineering within the chemical or fertilizer industry.
• Strong understanding of chemical processes relevant to fertilizer production.
• Experience with process control systems (DCS) and instrumentation.
• Knowledge of EHS regulations and process safety management.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting.
• Experience with project management is a plus.
• Willingness to work in a plant environment with occasional shift coverage.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, annual bonus scheme, comprehensive medical and retirement benefits, and opportunities for professional development and on‑the‑job training within the fertilizer industry.
• Join our dedicated team in Tembisa, Gauteng, ZA and contribute to sustainable agriculture.