Entree Level Chemical Engineer

Network Contracting; Brits; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

Network Contracting in South Africa seeks a Process Engineer to monitor and optimise manufacturing processes, improving unit operations, reliability and efficiency.

You will support production teams, update process documentation, and drive safety, quality and compliance in a hazardous chemical environment. A degree in Chemical Engineering and 2 years' experience are required, with proficiency in Excel and P&ID interpretation. Shift flexibility and site travel may be needed.

Qualifications

• BEng/BSc in Chemical Engineering required.
• 2 years' manufacturing or process experience.
• Graduate internship experience advantageous.
• Strong data analysis and technical reporting skills.
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs.

Responsibilities

• Monitor processes and plant performance to identify improvements.
• Analyse data, trends, and bottlenecks to implement solutions.
• Support production orders and process control.
• Review and update process documentation and P&IDs.
• Promote safety and compliance in all activities.
• Collaborate with Production, Engineering, Maintenance and SHEQ teams.

Skills

Chemical/process engineering

Data analysis

Process optimization

Continuous improvement

P&ID interpretation

Cross-functional collaboration

Safety culture

Education

BEng / BSc Engineering (Chemical Engineering)

Tools

AutoCAD

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

The role may require flexibility to work across different shifts and working hours in accordance with operational requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Process Engineering & Plant Optimisation

Monitor manufacturing processes and plant performance to identify opportunities for improvement. Analyse process data, production trends and operational performance. Identify process bottlenecks, inefficiencies and potential reliability issues. Assist with developing and implementing process engineering solutions. Apply engineering principles to optimise unit operations and manufacturing processes. Support troubleshooting of process-related problems in collaboration with Production and Engineering teams. Assist with process optimisation initiatives aimed at improving efficiency, productivity and plant reliability.

Continuous Improvement & OPEX

Participate in Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence initiatives. Support multidisciplinary improvement projects. Identify opportunities to improve Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost and Efficiency. Collect, analyse and present data to support fact-based decision-making. Assist with root-cause investigations and implementation of corrective actions. Support the measurement and reporting of improvement initiatives.

Production & Process Control

Provide process engineering support to Production teams. Assist with maintaining stable, controlled and efficient manufacturing processes. Support the Production Order (PO) process, ensuring that orders are properly managed and executed. Assist with process troubleshooting and operational investigations. Support the integration of new products, processes and technologies into manufacturing operations.

Process Documentation & Engineering Support

Review and maintain process documentation. Update red-line P&IDs as required. Assist with updating RAT lists and other process-related documentation. Review and update control philosophies. Assist with maintaining accurate process and engineering records. Support engineering projects through data gathering, technical input and documentation.

Safety, Quality & Compliance

Promote and demonstrate a strong Safety-First culture. Comply with all company SHEQ policies, procedures and standards. Identify and report process safety risks and potential hazards. Support safe operating practices within the manufacturing environment. Ensure process changes and improvements are implemented in accordance with approved procedures. Work in compliance with applicable legislation, regulatory requirements and company standards. Participate in safety meetings, investigations, risk assessments and improvement initiatives where required.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

BEng / BSc Engineering degree in: Chemical Engineering Must HAVE Experience

02 years' experience in a manufacturing or process environment. Graduate engineering experience, internship or exposure to chemical/process manufacturing will be advantageous.

Technical Capabilities

Sound understanding of chemical/process engineering principles. Knowledge of unit operations. Understanding of manufacturing processes and process control. Ability to analyse operational and production data. Experience in data presentation and interpretation. Exposure to Continuous Improvement methodologies. High proficiency in: Microsoft Excel Microsoft Word Microsoft PowerPoint AutoCAD experience/design skills will be advantageous. Ability to interpret process engineering documentation, including P&IDs.

Additional Requirements

Must be medically fit to work in a hazardous chemical manufacturing plant. Must be willing and able to work in a potentially hazardous industrial environment. Must be prepared to work shifts and/or flexible working hours when required by plant operations. Strong commitment to health, safety and environmental standards. Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Good communication and technical reporting skills. Strong attention to detail and a structured approach to problem-solving.

Personal Competencies

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Safety-conscious and responsible behaviour.
• Analytical and logical thinking.
• A strong willingness to learn and develop.
• Continuous improvement mindset.
• Good technical problem-solving ability.
• Ability to work under pressure in a production environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Initiative and accountability.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with Production, Engineering, Maintenance and SHEQ teams.
• Professional and disciplined approach to engineering work.

Licence / Travel Requirement

Valid driver's licence required. Own reliable transport will be advantageous due to the industrial location and potential shift requirements, but not a MUST. Willingness to travel between plant areas or operational sites where required.

Ideal Candidate Profile

This opportunity is ideally suited to a recently qualified Chemical or Process Engineer who wants to build a career within a technically demanding manufacturing environment.

The successful candidate will have a strong interest in process optimisation, plant performance, continuous improvement and operational excellence, combined with a genuine commitment to working safely within a hazardous chemical manufacturing environment.