Chemical Process Engineer - Plant Optimization

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement planning

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 in Pretoria, Gauteng is seeking a Chemical Process Engineer to advance manufacturing efficiency through detailed process analysis and optimization. The role blends on-site and remote project management within a hybrid work setup.

You will collaborate with operations and engineering teams to implement new technologies, ensure safety standards, and drive continuous improvement across plants.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• 3-5 years of process engineering experience in manufacturing.
• Proficiency with process simulation software (Aspen HYSYS, UniSim).
• Strong knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, mass transfer.
• Experience with process safety management (PSM).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Analyze existing chemical processes to identify optimization opportunities for yield, energy and waste reduction.
• Develop and implement process improvements, test new technologies and oversee scale-up.
• Create and update PFDs and P&IDs as well as operating procedures.
• Conduct PHAs and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
• Collaborate with maintenance and operations to resolve issues and improve plant reliability.
• Evaluate new equipment and process technologies from a technical perspective.
• Monitor KPIs and report on operational efficiency.
• Support commissioning and startup of new or modified equipment.
• Participate in cross-functional project teams to deliver engineering solutions.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen HYSYS

UniSim

Job description

About the Role

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 transfer.
• Experience with process safety management (PSM) principles.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team in a hybrid setting.
• Familiarity with control systems and instrumentation.
• Strong technical writing and documentation skills.

Benefits

• This role comes with a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance and retirement planning.
• Our client values work-life balance, offering a hybrid work model that provides flexibility.
• Opportunities for professional growth, continuous training, and exposure to diverse projects are abundant.
• Join a forward-thinking company in Pretoria, Gauteng , that is committed to innovation and operational excellence.
• You will be part of a supportive team environment dedicated to advancing chemical engineering practices.