Lead Chemical Process Engineer

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Annual performance bonus

Medical insurance

Pension fund

Career development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Chemical Process Engineer for its Upington operation. You will oversee design, development and continuous improvement of complex chemical processes, mentoring a P&E team, and ensuring safety, environmental and economic targets are met.

You will lead cross-functional projects, develop PFDs/P&IDs, perform detailed calculations, and manage scale-up from pilot to production in a hands-on leadership role.

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Chemical Engineering or closely related discipline.
• Minimum 10 years in process engineering, with at least 3 in a lead/supervisory role.
• Proven design, optimization and scale-up experience for industrial processes.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (Aspen Plus, CHEMCAD, HEC-RAS).
• Solid knowledge of process safety standards and regulatory requirements.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the process engineering team in designing and executing new projects.
• Develop conceptual designs, PFDs and P&IDs for new plants.
• Perform detailed process calculations, simulations and equipment sizing.
• Oversee pilot plants and scale-up to commercial production.
• Champion process safety initiatives including HAZOP and LOPA.
• Ensure compliance with safety, health and environmental regulations.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, PM, and R&D.
• Manage capital projects from conception to commissioning.

Skills

Process design

Process optimization

Scale-up

Leadership

Team management

Process safety

Regulatory compliance

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

MSc or PhD in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HEC-RAS

CHEMCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced and motivated Lead Chemical Process Engineer to join their established operations in Upington, Northern Cape . This is a key leadership position responsible for overseeing the design, development, and continuous improvement of intricate chemical processes. You will be a vital link between conceptual design and plant implementation, ensuring that all projects meet stringent safety, environmental, and economic targets. The successful candidate will demonstrate exceptional technical expertise, strong leadership capabilities, and a deep understanding of chemical manufacturing principles. This role demands a hands-on approach and requires full-time presence at our Upington facility to effectively manage and mentor the process engineering team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the process engineering team in the design and execution of new chemical process projects.
• Develop conceptual designs, process flow diagrams (PFDs), and piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs).
• Perform detailed process calculations, simulations, and equipment sizing.
• Oversee pilot plant operations and manage scale-up activities to commercial production.
• Champion process safety initiatives, including HAZOP, LOPA, and risk assessments.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant South African and international safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Troubleshoot complex operational issues and implement sustainable solutions.
• Manage process engineering aspects of capital projects, from conception to commissioning.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including operations, maintenance, project management, and R&D.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and process technicians.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies and process improvements.

Requirements

• MSc or PhD in Chemical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• A minimum of 10 years of comprehensive experience in process engineering, with at least 3 years in a lead or supervisory role.
• Demonstrated expertise in process design, optimization, and scale-up of industrial chemical processes.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HEC-RAS, CHEMCAD).
• In-depth knowledge of process safety standards, risk analysis techniques, and regulatory requirements.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong project management capabilities.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Experience in mineral processing or related chemical industries is highly desirable.

Benefits

• This role offers a highly competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with an annual performance bonus, comprehensive medical insurance, and a generous pension fund.
• Our client is committed to fostering professional growth, providing opportunities for advanced training, international certifications, and participation in industry conferences.
• Employees benefit from a structured career development path.
• The position is based full-time in our Upington facility, offering the chance to be part of a critical operation in the Northern Cape.