Lead Chemical Engineer - Petrochemicals

Placements24; Gauteng; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive package

Hybrid role

Career development support

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Chemical Engineer to drive design, optimization and safety initiatives at a state-of-the-art petrochemical facility in Tembisa, Gauteng.

This hybrid role combines in-office collaboration with focused remote work and mentoring of junior engineers, delivering high-impact process improvements.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years in petrochemical industry with 3+ years in lead role.
• Knowledge of cracking, distillation and polymerization processes.
• Proficiency in Aspen Plus and HYSYS; strong data analysis.
• Proven leadership to manage engineering teams and projects.
• Strong PSM, HAZOP and environmental compliance expertise.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and upgrades of chemical processes for petrochem operations.
• Oversee and mentor a team of chemical engineers.
• Conduct process safety reviews, hazard analyses, and risk assessments.
• Develop process simulations, P&IDs, and PFDs; validate against requirements.
• Troubleshoot complex operational issues and implement long-term solutions.
• Collaborate with PM, operations, maintenance, and R&D to meet milestones.
• Promote adoption of new technologies and best practices for plant efficiency.
• Prepare technical reports and recommendations for senior management.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project management

Team mentoring

Safety management

Data analysis

Education

MSc/PhD in Chemical Eng

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an accomplished and forward-thinking Lead Chemical Engineer to spearhead critical projects within their state-of-the-art petrochemical facility in Tembisa, Gauteng . This role demands a visionary leader capable of driving innovation in process design, optimization, and operational excellence. You will be instrumental in developing and implementing advanced chemical engineering solutions that enhance plant efficiency, safety, and sustainability. This is a hybrid position, offering a balance between strategic in-office collaboration and focused remote work, allowing for flexibility while ensuring strong team synergy and project oversight. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our client's petrochemical operations, mentoring junior engineers, and ensuring adherence to the highest industry standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of new chemical processes and upgrades for petrochemical operations.
• Oversee and mentor a team of chemical engineers, providing technical guidance and fostering professional development.
• Conduct comprehensive process safety reviews, hazard analyses, and risk assessments to ensure compliance with all safety regulations.
• Develop detailed process simulation models, P&IDs, and PFDs, validating designs against operational requirements.
• Troubleshoot complex operational issues, identifying root causes and implementing effective long-term solutions.
• Collaborate closely with project management, operations, maintenance, and R&D teams to ensure project milestones are met.
• Champion the adoption of new technologies and best practices in chemical engineering to improve plant performance and environmental impact.
• Prepare and present technical reports and recommendations to senior management.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in the petrochemical industry, with at least 3 years in a lead or supervisory role.
• Extensive knowledge of petrochemical processes, including cracking, distillation, and polymerization.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS) and advanced data analysis techniques.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, with a proven ability to manage engineering teams and projects effectively.
• In-depth understanding of process safety management (PSM), HAZOP studies, and environmental compliance.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, commuting to the Tembisa, Gauteng office as required.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive remuneration package, including a generous salary, performance incentives, and a comprehensive benefits plan covering medical aid, retirement savings, and life insurance.
• Employees benefit from professional development programs, opportunities for career advancement within a leading industry player, and a supportive work environment that promotes both innovation and collaboration.
• This hybrid role also includes provisions for home office setup and support for maintaining productivity across different work locations.