Junior Process Engineer - Petrochemical

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 240,000 - 420,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

On-the-job training

Mentorship

Career advancement

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a motivated Junior Process Engineer to join a Cape Town-based petrochemical operations team. You will support the design, operation, and optimization of chemical processes under guidance from senior engineers.

This entry-level role offers hands-on training, exposure to PHAs, PFDs/P&IDs, and process simulations, with mentorship, competitive starting salary, medical aid, retirement fund, and clear paths for career advancement in a dynamic plant environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or equivalent.
• Foundational knowledge of chemical engineering principles.
• Familiarity with process simulation software is a plus.
• Strong analytical and teamwork skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing PFDs and P&IDs.
• Support troubleshooting and corrective actions with senior engineers.
• Participate in PHAs and safety improvement initiatives.
• Analyze process data to identify performance gaps.
• Prepare technical reports and operating procedures.
• Coordinate with operations and maintenance for smooth plant function.

Skills

Chemical engineering basics

PFDs & P&IDs

Process simulation

Analytical thinking

Teamwork

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process simulation software

Job description

Our client is seeking a motivated Junior Process Engineer to join their petrochemical operations team based in Cape Town . In this role, you will support the design, operation, and optimization of complex chemical processes, working closely with senior engineers. This is an excellent entry-level opportunity for a recent graduate or early-career professional looking to build a strong foundation in chemical process engineering within a vital industry. You will gain hands-on experience in a challenging yet rewarding environment, contributing to the safe and efficient production of essential petrochemical products in Cape Town .

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the development and optimization of process flow diagrams (PFDs) and piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs).
• Support senior engineers in troubleshooting process upsets and implementing corrective actions.
• Participate in process hazard analyses (PHAs) and contribute to safety improvement initiatives.
• Conduct data analysis to monitor process performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Prepare technical reports, documentation, and operational procedures.
• Collaborate with operations and maintenance teams to ensure smooth plant functioning.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering .
• Foundational knowledge of chemical engineering principles and unit operations.
• Familiarity with process simulation software is a plus.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Eagerness to learn and contribute in a team-oriented setting within the Cape Town area.

Benefits

• Competitive starting salary and annual performance reviews.
• Medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• On-the-job training and mentorship from experienced engineers.
• Opportunities for career advancement within the company.
• Exposure to cutting-edge petrochemical technologies.