Junior Process Engineer - Petrochem & Plant Optimization

Network Finance; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

Our client in the petrochemical sector seeks a motivated Junior Engineer to join their engineering team in Gauteng. You will work with experienced engineers and production teams on projects, plant optimisation and operations support.

Ideal candidates have 2–4 years of relevant experience, exposure to PFDs/P&IDs and a solid grasp of process safety. This role offers growth through hands-on design, commissioning and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• BSc/BEng in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• 2–4 years' engineering experience in petrochemical, chemical processing, refining or similar.
• Practical exposure to industrial plant operations and projects.
• Experience with PFDs, P&IDs and engineering documentation.
• Exposure to process optimisation and continuous improvement.
• Good understanding of process safety and SHE requirements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings and documentation.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Valid driver's licence would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical engineering support to plant operations and production teams.
• Assist with design, modification and optimisation of process and plant systems.
• Participate in engineering projects, plant modifications and improvement initiatives.
• Assist with preparation and review of PFDs, P&IDs, equipment specs and docs.
• Collect, analyse and interpret plant data to identify performance improvements.
• Support troubleshooting and root-cause investigations related to plant performance.
• Assist with equipment evaluations, technical calculations and studies.
• Participate in HAZOP, risk assessments, MOC and other process-safety activities.
• Support plant inspections, investigations and compliance reviews.
• Assist with commissioning, start-up, shutdown and plant trials as required.
• Liaise with production, maintenance, projects and other engineering disciplines.
• Maintain accurate engineering records, drawings and documentation.
• Identify opportunities to improve plant reliability, efficiency, safety and operating costs.
• Ensure activities comply with procedures, standards and SHE requirements.
• Work under guidance of senior engineers while progressively taking ownership.

Skills

Analytical ability

Problem solving

Communication skills

Excel proficiency

Drawing interpretation

Education

BSc/BEng in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering or related

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Job description

Our client in the petrochemical sector seeks a motivated Junior Engineer to join their engineering team in Gauteng. You will work with experienced engineers and production teams on projects, plant optimisation and operations support.

Ideal candidates have 2–4 years of relevant experience, exposure to PFDs/P&IDs and a solid grasp of process safety. This role offers growth through hands-on design, commissioning and continuous improvement initiatives.