Lead Chemical Process Optimization Engineer

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary bonuses

Health insurance

Paid vacation and sick leave

Leadership development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Chemical Engineer for its Rustenburg, North West facility. The role requires steering process design, optimization, and scale-up in a chemical manufacturing context.

You will lead engineering teams, drive safety, and deliver performance improvements while coordinating with R&D, operations, and maintenance. The ideal candidate has 8+ years in chemical process design and strong leadership capabilities, with expertise in Aspen Plus/HYSYS and safety regulatory

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in chemical process design and operation.
• Expertise in process simulation software (Aspen Plus, HYSYS) and CAD tools.
• Strong understanding of reaction engineering, thermodynamics, and mass transfer.
• Proven experience leading projects and cross-functional teams.
• Excellent knowledge of safety regulations and environmental compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and implementation of new chemical processes and optimizations.
• Conduct process modeling, simulations, and feasibility studies for improvements.
• Oversee PHAs and ensure regulatory safety compliance.
• Develop and manage P&IDs, equipment specs, and operating procedures.
• Troubleshoot complex issues, identify root causes, and minimize downtime.
• Collaborate with R&D, operations, and maintenance for technology transfer.
• Mentor junior engineers and guide technical development.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources.
• Stay updated on best practices and regulatory changes.
• Champion sustainability, waste reduction, and energy efficiency.

Skills

Process design

Process optimization

Team leadership

Safety compliance

Project management

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

CAD tools

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Chemical Engineer for its Rustenburg, North West facility. The role requires steering process design, optimization, and scale-up in a chemical manufacturing context.

You will lead engineering teams, drive safety, and deliver performance improvements while coordinating with R&D, operations, and maintenance. The ideal candidate has 8+ years in chemical process design and strong leadership capabilities, with expertise in Aspen Plus/HYSYS and safety regulatory