Chemical Process Engineer - Optimization Specialist

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary with annual bonus

Health and wellness programs

Education and certifications support

Hybrid work model

Exposure to cutting-edge optimization

Opportunities for professional growth

Job summary

Placements24 in Welkom, South Africa seeks a Chemical Process Engineer specializing in optimization to improve throughput, safety and profitability across chemical manufacturing operations.

You will analyze existing processes, model behavior with Aspen Plus or HYSYS, perform data analysis with Minitab, and drive continuous improvement initiatives with operations and R&D to reduce waste and energy use.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in process engineering with a focus on optimization.
• Proficiency with Aspen Plus, HYSYS, and Minitab for modeling and analysis.

Responsibilities

• Analyze complex chemical processes to identify opportunities for optimization and performance improvement.
• Utilize process simulation and data analysis tools to model process behavior and predict outcomes of changes.
• Develop and implement strategies to reduce energy consumption, minimize waste, and improve product yield.
• Collaborate with operations teams to ensure the effective implementation of process modifications and monitor their performance.
• Conduct root cause analysis for process deviations and implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Prepare technical reports and present findings and recommendations to management and relevant stakeholders.

Skills

Process optimization

Data-driven decision making

Root cause analysis

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Master's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

Minitab

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dedicated Chemical Process Engineer with a specialization in optimization to join their team in Welkom . This role is critical for enhancing the efficiency, safety, and profitability of their chemical manufacturing operations. You will be responsible for analyzing existing processes, identifying bottlenecks, and implementing data-driven solutions to improve throughput and reduce waste. Working closely with plant operations and R&D, you will drive continuous improvement initiatives, contributing directly to the company's success and operational excellence in a key industrial hub.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze complex chemical processes to identify opportunities for optimization and performance improvement.
• Utilize process simulation and data analysis tools to model process behavior and predict outcomes of changes.
• Develop and implement strategies to reduce energy consumption, minimize waste, and improve product yield.
• Collaborate with operations teams to ensure the effective implementation of process modifications and monitor their performance.
• Conduct root cause analysis for process deviations and implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Prepare technical reports and present findings and recommendations to management and relevant stakeholders.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in process engineering, with a strong focus on process optimization.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS) and statistical analysis tools (e.g., Minitab).
• Solid understanding of chemical engineering principles, including reaction kinetics and thermodynamics.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies is a plus.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to translate data into actionable insights.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and annual bonus.
• Comprehensive health and wellness programs.
• Opportunities for further education and professional certifications.
• A hybrid work model balancing on-site collaboration with flexibility.
• Exposure to cutting-edge process optimization techniques.