Chemical Process Engineer - Plant Operations

Placements24; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive annual salary

Medical aid and pension benefits

Specialized training in plant ops and 

Career advancement opportunities

Strong safety culture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Chemical Process Engineer for our client in Tembisa, Gauteng. You will monitor, analyze, and improve plant processes to boost throughput, reduce costs, and uphold safety and environmental standards.

Join a team focused on operational excellence and continuous improvement, with hands-on responsibilities in process control, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration to minimize downtime and enhance product quality.

Qualifications

• BEng or BSc in Chemical Engineering or related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years in chemical plant environment focusing on process operations and optimization.
• Hands-on experience with process control systems and data analysis.
• Familiarity with PSM and environmental regulations.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• On-site role in Tembisa, Gauteng with no remote flexibility.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze plant process data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and potential issues.
• Implement process improvements to increase throughput, improve product quality, and reduce waste.
• Troubleshoot operational problems, conduct root cause analysis, and develop solutions to minimize downtime.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations in the Tembisa plant.
• Develop and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) and process documentation.
• Collaborate with maintenance and operations teams to schedule and execute plant shutdowns and turnarounds.
• Participate in HAZOP studies and other process safety reviews.
• Support the commissioning of new equipment and process modifications.
• Provide technical support to plant operators and supervisors.

Skills

Data analysis

Troubleshooting

Communication

Teamwork

Education

BEng/BSc in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process control systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the specialty chemicals sector, is actively seeking a dedicated Chemical Process Engineer to join their operational team in **Tembisa, Gauteng**. This role is critical for ensuring the seamless and efficient operation of our production facilities. You will be responsible for monitoring, analyzing, and improving existing chemical processes to enhance yield, reduce costs, and maintain stringent safety and environmental standards. This is an on-site position, providing hands‑on experience and direct impact on our manufacturing success. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of plant operations and a passion for continuous improvement. We are committed to providing a safe and productive work environment where your contributions are recognized and valued. Join us in **Tembisa, Gauteng** and be part of a company that prides itself on operational excellence and technological advancement. This position offers a stable career path within a growing industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze plant process data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and potential issues.
• Implement process improvements to increase throughput, improve product quality, and reduce waste.
• Troubleshoot operational problems, conduct root cause analysis, and develop solutions to minimize downtime.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations in the **Tembisa** plant.
• Develop and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) and process documentation.
• Collaborate with maintenance and operations teams to schedule and execute plant shutdowns and turnarounds.
• Participate in HAZOP studies and other process safety reviews.
• Support the commissioning of new equipment and process modifications.
• Provide technical support to plant operators and supervisors.

Requirements

• BEng or BSc in Chemical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a chemical plant environment, focusing on process operations and optimization.
• Hands‑on experience with process control systems and data analysis.
• Strong understanding of chemical engineering principles, including mass transfer, heat transfer, and reaction kinetics.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex operational problems.
• Familiarity with process safety management (PSM) and environmental regulations.
• Excellent problem‑solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced production environment in **Tembisa, Gauteng**.
• Must be available for on‑site work without remote flexibility.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary.
• Medical aid and pension fund benefits.
• Opportunities for specialized training in plant operations and safety.
• Career advancement opportunities within the organization.
• A robust safety culture and supportive team environment.
• Access to modern plant facilities and technology.