Chemical Process Engineer - Plant Optimization

Placements24; Gauteng; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in Pretoria, Gauteng, seeks a diligent Chemical Process Engineer to join our client’s team. You will analyze existing processes, optimize yield and energy use, and ensure safety and environmental standards are met.

The role blends on-site process analysis with remote project management, collaborating with operations and maintenance to scale improvements and monitor KPIs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering required.
• 3–5 years of process engineering experience in manufacturing.
• Proficiency with process simulation software (Aspen HYSYS, UniSim).
• Strong grounding in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and mass transfer.

Responsibilities

• Analyze existing chemical processes to identify opportunities for optimization in terms of yield, energy consumption, and waste reduction.
• Develop and implement process improvements, pilot test new technologies, and oversee their scale-up.
• Create and update process flow diagrams (PFDs), P&IDs, and operating procedures.
• Conduct process hazard analyses (PHAs) and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
• Collaborate with the maintenance and operations teams to resolve technical issues and improve plant reliability.
• Perform technical evaluations of new equipment and process technologies.
• Monitor key process performance indicators (KPIs) and report on operational efficiency.
• Support the commissioning and startup of new or modified process equipment.
• Participate in cross-functional project teams to deliver engineering solutions.

Skills

Process optimization

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen HYSYS

UniSim

Job description

Our client is looking for a diligent and innovative Chemical Process Engineer to join their team in Pretoria, Gauteng. This role is central to enhancing the efficiency and productivity of our manufacturing plants through detailed process analysis and optimization. You will work closely with plant operations and engineering teams to identify areas for improvement, implement new technologies, and ensure processes meet stringent safety and environmental standards. The position involves a hybrid work arrangement, offering a blend of on-site analysis and remote project management. If you are passionate about making tangible improvements to industrial processes and thrive in a collaborative environment, this role is an excellent opportunity to advance your career in chemical engineering.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze existing chemical processes to identify opportunities for optimization in terms of yield, energy consumption, and waste reduction.
• Develop and implement process improvements, pilot test new technologies, and oversee their scale-up.
• Create and update process flow diagrams (PFDs), P&IDs, and operating procedures.
• Conduct process hazard analyses (PHAs) and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
• Collaborate with the maintenance and operations teams to resolve technical issues and improve plant reliability.
• Perform technical evaluations of new equipment and process technologies.
• Monitor key process performance indicators (KPIs) and report on operational efficiency.
• Support the commissioning and startup of new or modified process equipment.
• Participate in cross-functional project teams to deliver engineering solutions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• 3-5 years of experience in process engineering, preferably within a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen HYSYS, UniSim).
• Strong understanding of chemical engineering principles, including thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and mass