Chemical Project Engineer

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonuses based on performance

Health, dental, vision cover

Retirement savings plan

Generous paid time off

Professional development

Hybrid work arrangements

Career progression opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Chemical Project Engineer in Benoni to lead capital projects from conception through commissioning. You will manage project planning, budgeting, design reviews, contractor management, and safety compliance across the chemical facilities.

The role requires a strong foundation in chemical engineering and proven project management experience in a chemical plant environment, with cross-functional collaboration across operations, maintenance, safety, and procurement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or equivalent.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in project engineering or project management in the chemical industry.
• Proven track record managing chemical plant projects from initiation to completion.
• Solid understanding of chemical processes, equipment, and plant operations.
• Familiarity with project management methodologies and tools (e.g., MS Project).
• Knowledge of safety regulations and environmental compliance in chemical manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Manage the execution of capital projects within chemical facilities, on scope, schedule, and budget.
• Develop project plans with objectives, scope, deliverables, resources and timelines.
• Coordinate with internal teams and external vendors throughout the project lifecycle.
• Review and approve engineering designs, drawings and specs for equipment and process changes.
• Oversee procurement for project-related equipment and services.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and environmental regulations.
• Monitor progress, identify risks, and implement mitigation plans.
• Manage project documentation including reports, change orders, and close-out docs.
• Support commissioning and start-up phases for new projects.
• Facilitate effective communication among stakeholders.

Skills

Chemical Engineering

Project Management

HAZOP studies

P&ID development

Safety regulations

Cross-functional coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

MS Project

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and growing chemical manufacturing company, is seeking a motivated Chemical Project Engineer to join their capital projects team in Benoni, Gauteng . This role involves managing and executing various chemical engineering projects, from conception through to commissioning. You will be responsible for project planning, budgeting, design review, contractor management, and ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, and within budget. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in chemical engineering principles, project management skills, and experience with project execution in a chemical plant environment. This is an excellent opportunity to gain broad project experience and contribute to the expansion and modernization of our client's facilities in South Africa . You will work closely with cross-functional teams, including operations, maintenance, safety, and procurement, to achieve project objectives. Your technical expertise and project management acumen will be critical to the success of these initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the execution of capital projects within the chemical manufacturing facilities, ensuring adherence to scope, schedule, and budget.
• Develop project plans, including defining project objectives, scope, deliverables, resource requirements, and timelines.
• Coordinate with internal engineering and operations teams, as well as external vendors and contractors, throughout the project lifecycle.
• Review and approve engineering designs, drawings, and specifications for new equipment and process modifications.
• Oversee procurement processes for project-related equipment and services.
• Ensure all projects comply with company safety standards, environmental regulations, and industry best practices.
• Monitor project progress, identify potential risks and issues, and implement mitigation strategies.
• Manage project documentation, including progress reports, change orders, and close-out documentation.
• Support the commissioning and start-up phases of new projects, ensuring smooth transition to operations.
• Facilitate effective communication among project stakeholders.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in project engineering or project management within the chemical industry.
• Proven experience in managing chemical plant projects from initiation to completion.
• Solid understanding of chemical processes, equipment, and plant operations.
• Familiarity with project management methodologies and tools (e.g., MS Project).
• Knowledge of safety regulations and environmental compliance in chemical manufacturing.
• Strong organizational, planning, and time management skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and manage multiple priorities.
• Experience with P&ID development and HAZOP studies is beneficial.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development and project management training.
• Exposure to a variety of challenging chemical engineering projects.
• Supportive team environment focused on collaboration.
• Potential for hybrid work arrangements.
• Opportunity to contribute to significant infrastructure development in the chemical sector.