Chemical Process Engineer - Plant Support

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

On-the-job training

Paid annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 in Soweto, Gauteng, is seeking a Chemical Process Engineer to optimize day-to-day plant processes, troubleshoot issues, and drive continuous improvement. You will work closely with operators and maintenance to ensure safe, efficient production and regulatory compliance.

The role focuses on developing SOPs, supporting capital projects, and delivering data-driven improvements while maintaining high operational standards on-site.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering is required.
• 2–5 years of experience in a chemical plant environment.
• Strong understanding of unit operations and process control.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to work on-site in Soweto, Gauteng.

Responsibilities

• Monitor plant performance, analyze data, and identify optimization opportunities.
• Troubleshoot issues, diagnose root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Support process improvements and capital projects.
• Develop and update SOPs and process documentation.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Support operator training on process changes and best practices.
• Collaborate with maintenance to minimize downtime and ensure reliable operation.
• Conduct process safety reviews and participate in incident investigations.
• Generate reports on plant performance and efficiency improvements.
• Work with the Soweto operational team to meet production targets.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the industrial chemicals sector, is looking for a dedicated Chemical Process Engineer to provide essential support to their operations in Soweto, Gauteng . This role focuses on optimizing day-to-day plant processes, troubleshooting operational challenges, and ensuring the efficient and safe production of chemicals. The successful candidate will work closely with plant operators and maintenance teams to drive continuous improvement initiatives and maintain high standards of operational performance. This is a hands-on role based in Soweto, Gauteng .

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor plant performance, analyze data, and identify opportunities for process optimization.
• Troubleshoot operational issues, diagnose root causes, and implement effective corrective actions.
• Assist in the implementation of process improvements and capital projects.
• Develop and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) and process documentation.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations within the plant.
• Support the training of operators on process changes and best practices.
• Collaborate with the maintenance team to minimize equipment downtime and ensure reliable operation.
• Conduct process safety reviews and participate in incident investigations.
• Generate reports on plant performance, efficiency, and improvement initiatives.
• Work effectively within the operational team in Soweto, Gauteng to achieve production targets.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• 2-5 years of experience in a chemical plant environment, preferably in operations or process support.
• Strong understanding of chemical engineering principles, unit operations, and process control.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with safety procedures and environmental regulations.
• Knowledge of process simulation software is an advantage.
• Experience working in the Soweto, Gauteng industrial area is a plus.
• Willingness to work on-site in a plant setting.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive entry-level to mid-level salary, along with essential benefits such as medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Opportunities for on-the-job training and professional development are provided, allowing for career growth within the company.
• Employees benefit from a supportive team environment and a commitment to workplace safety.
• The role is based in Soweto, Gauteng , offering proximity to major transport routes.
• Paid annual leave and sick leave are standard.
• This position provides a solid foundation for a career in chemical process engineering within a reputable organization.