Chemical Process Engineer - Water Treatment Solutions

Placements24; Gauteng; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Professional development programs

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Chemical Process Engineer to design, implement, and optimize water and wastewater treatment processes for industrial and municipal projects in Pretoria. You will work on membranes, ion exchange, and chemical precipitation to meet water quality goals.

You will perform mass/energy balances, develop PFDs/P&IDs, and detail equipment sizing while supporting pilot studies and startup activities. Collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or Environmental Engineering is required.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in process design and engineering for water/wastewater.
• Strong understanding of water chemistry, coagulation, flocculation, disinfection, and pH control.

Responsibilities

• Design and engineer chemical processes for industrial and municipal water and wastewater treatment systems.
• Perform process calculations, mass and energy balances, and equipment sizing for treatment units.
• Develop PFDs and P&IDs for treatment facilities.
• Select treatment technologies including chemical dosing, filtration, membrane processes, and ion exchange.
• Conduct pilot studies and treatability tests to validate designs.
• Provide technical support during project execution, construction, commissioning, and startup.
• Troubleshoot operations and optimize processes for cost efficiency.
• Ensure designs meet environmental and safety standards.
• Collaborate with engineers and project managers to deliver integrated solutions.
• Prepare technical reports, specifications, and operating manuals.

Skills

Process design

Water treatment

Membrane technology

Ion exchange

PFD & P&IDs

Process simulation

CAD tools

Environmental regulations

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or Environmental Engineering

Tools

Process simulation software

CAD software

Job description

About the Role

An industry-leading environmental solutions company is looking for a skilled Chemical Process Engineer to join their team in Pretoria, Gauteng. This role is focused on designing, implementing, and optimizing chemical processes for advanced water treatment systems. You will work on projects aimed at solving complex water scarcity and purification challenges, contributing to sustainable industrial and municipal water management. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in chemical engineering principles applied to water and wastewater treatment, including expertise in membrane technology, ion exchange, and chemical precipitation. This is an excellent opportunity to apply your technical skills to environmentally critical applications and work within a collaborative team environment. Our client is dedicated to developing innovative solutions for a cleaner future and seeks a professional who shares this commitment. You will be instrumental in shaping the future of water treatment technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and engineer chemical processes for industrial and municipal water and wastewater treatment systems.
• Perform process calculations, mass and energy balances, and equipment sizing for treatment units.
• Develop Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs) and Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs).
• Select appropriate treatment technologies, including chemical dosing, filtration, membrane processes, and ion exchange.
• Conduct pilot studies and treatability tests to validate process designs.
• Provide technical support during project execution, construction, commissioning, and startup phases.
• Troubleshoot operational issues and optimize existing treatment processes for improved performance and cost-efficiency.
• Ensure all designs meet stringent environmental regulations and safety standards.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, and project managers to deliver integrated solutions.
• Prepare technical reports, specifications, and operating manuals.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or Environmental Engineering.
• At least 4 years of experience in process design and engineering, with a specialization in water and wastewater treatment.
• Solid understanding of chemical principles applied to water chemistry, coagulation, flocculation, disinfection, and pH adjustment.
• Experience with various water treatment technologies such as RO, UF, MBR, and ion exchange.
• Proficiency in process simulation software and CAD tools.
• Knowledge of environmental regulations pertaining to water quality in South Africa.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and manage multiple tasks.
• Willingness to travel occasionally and work on a hybrid basis from our Pretoria, Gauteng office.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical aid, retirement fund contributions, and performance-based incentives.
• Employees benefit from continuous learning opportunities, professional development programs, and exposure to cutting-edge water treatment technologies.
• We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer a supportive team environment.
• Opportunity to work on impactful projects that contribute to environmental sustainability.
• Access to advanced training and career growth paths within the organization.