Chemical Process Engineer - Petrochemical Focus

Placements24; Richards Bay; Remote; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Performance incentives

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Chemical Process Engineer with a petrochemicals focus to join our client’s team. The role centers on design, optimization and troubleshooting of complex processes, with a fully remote work arrangement while based in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA.

The candidate should bring strong hydrocarbon processing experience and knowledge of catalysis and separation technologies, to drive process improvements, safety, and environmental performance in a demanding industry.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering; Master's degree is advantageous.
• 5+ years of experience in chemical process engineering, with a significant focus on petrochemicals.
• Proficiency in process simulation and modeling software.
• Strong knowledge of hydrocarbon processing, refining, and associated unit operations.
• Experience with process safety management (PSM) principles.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, capable of effective remote collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize chemical processes for petrochemical applications.
• Perform process simulations and modeling using industry-standard software (e.g., Aspen Plus).
• Analyze process data to identify deviations, troubleshoot operational issues, and recommend corrective actions.
• Design and specify process equipment, including reactors, distillation columns, and heat exchangers.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance and project teams to support plant operations and capital projects.
• Conduct feasibility studies and economic evaluations for proposed process improvements.
• Develop and update process documentation, including P&IDs, operating procedures, and safety manuals.
• Provide technical guidance and support to plant personnel and junior engineers.
• Stay updated on new technologies and best practices in petrochemical engineering.

Skills

Process simulation

Chemical Engineering

Petrochemicals

Data analysis

Remote collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Master's degree advantageous

Tools

Aspen Plus

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced Chemical Process Engineer with a specialization in petrochemicals to join their team. This role will focus on the design, optimization, and troubleshooting of complex processes within the petrochemical sector. While the role is based in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA, it offers a fully remote work arrangement, allowing you to contribute your expertise from anywhere. You will play a crucial role in ensuring the efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability of our client's petrochemical operations. This involves utilizing advanced simulation tools, analyzing large datasets, and collaborating with on-site teams to implement process improvements. The ideal candidate will have a strong theoretical foundation combined with practical experience in hydrocarbon processing, catalysis, and separation technologies. Your insights will be vital in driving innovation and maintaining competitive advantage in a demanding industry. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned engineer to leverage their skills in a challenging and rewarding remote-based position within the vital petrochemical sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize chemical processes for petrochemical applications, focusing on efficiency and sustainability.


• Perform process simulations and modeling using industry-standard software (e.g., Aspen Plus).


• Analyze process data to identify deviations, troubleshoot operational issues, and recommend corrective actions.


• Design and specify process equipment, including reactors, distillation columns, and heat exchangers.


• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety, health, and environmental regulations.


• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and project teams to support plant operations and capital projects.


• Conduct feasibility studies and economic evaluations for proposed process improvements.


• Develop and update process documentation, including P&IDs, operating procedures, and safety manuals.


• Provide technical guidance and support to plant personnel and junior engineers.


• Stay updated on new technologies and best practices in petrochemical engineering.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering; Master's degree is advantageous.


• 5+ years of experience in chemical process engineering, with a significant focus on petrochemicals.


• Proficiency in process simulation and modeling software.


• Strong knowledge of hydrocarbon processing, refining, and associated unit operations.


• Experience with process safety management (PSM) principles.


• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.


• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, capable of effective remote collaboration.


• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.


• Experience with data analysis and interpretation.


• Familiarity with relevant industry codes and standards.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement contributions, and performance incentives.


• Professional development opportunities, including access to specialized training and industry conferences, are readily available.


• This is a fully remote position, offering significant flexibility and the convenience of working from home, while contributing to impactful projects in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA.