Chemical Process Engineer - Project Execution

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work options

Professional development

Career advancement

Work-life balance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Chemical Process Engineer to join our project execution team in a hybrid role with on-site and remote work at our offices in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, and project sites. You will design, implement and commission chemical processes for industrial projects, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to meet budgets and timelines.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering with at least 6 years of experience, strong process simulation and P&ID skills, and a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 6 years of experience in chemical process design and project execution.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (Aspen Plus, HYSYS) and P&ID development tools.
• Strong understanding of process safety principles (HAZOP, LOPA) and equipment sizing.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed process designs including PFDs and P&IDs with mass/energy balances.
• Specify process equipment and instrumentation with vendors and procurement teams.
• Conduct process simulations to meet performance requirements.
• Perform PHAs and integrate safety into designs.
• Support procurement, construction and commissioning phases.
• Troubleshoot process issues during commissioning and assist site teams.
• Ensure designs comply with codes, standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and civil engineers.
• Prepare technical documentation, reports and proposals.
• Manage assigned tasks with timely delivery and schedules.

Skills

Process simulation

PFD/P&ID design

Process safety

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

P&ID tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic firm specializing in chemical plant design and construction, is seeking a proficient Chemical Process Engineer to join their project execution team. This hybrid role involves a mix of remote work and on-site presence at their offices in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga , as well as project sites. You will be responsible for the detailed design, implementation, and commissioning of chemical processes for various industrial projects. This position requires strong technical skills in process design, P&ID development, equipment specification, and process safety. The ideal candidate will be adept at collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver projects on time and within budget. This role offers exposure to diverse engineering challenges and the opportunity to contribute to significant capital projects. We value engineers who can seamlessly transition between independent remote work and collaborative on-site engagement. Our client is committed to delivering high‑quality engineering solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop detailed process designs, including PFDs, P&IDs, mass and energy balances.
• Specify process equipment and instrumentation, collaborating with vendors and procurement teams.
• Conduct process simulations and calculations to ensure designs meet performance requirements.
• Perform process hazard analyses (PHAs) and ensure safety considerations are integrated into designs.
• Support the procurement, construction, and commissioning phases of projects.
• Troubleshoot process issues during commissioning and provide technical assistance to site teams.
• Ensure designs comply with all relevant codes, standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate effectively with mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering disciplines.
• Prepare technical documentation, reports, and project proposals.
• Manage assigned project tasks, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to project schedules.

Requirements

Requirements Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field. Minimum of 6 years of experience in chemical process design and project execution. Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS) and P&ID development tools. Strong understanding of process safety principles and practices (HAZOP, LOPA). Experience with equipment sizing and specification (e.g., pumps, heat exchangers, reactors). Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills. Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, balancing remote and on‑site responsibilities. Experience in engineering consulting or EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) firms is preferred. Familiarity with project management methodologies. Commitment to delivering high‑quality engineering solutions and meeting client expectations.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, commensurate with experience, and a comprehensive benefits package. This hybrid position provides flexibility with remote work options alongside on‑site collaboration in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga . Opportunities for professional development, further training, and career advancement within project engineering are readily available. We foster a collaborative team environment focused on successful project delivery and encourage a healthy work‑life balance for our employees.