Lead Petrochemical Engineer - Hybrid, Growth & Impact

Placements24; George; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Bonus incentives

Retirement plan

Leadership training

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Chemical Engineer for our George, Western Cape facility to lead design, operation and optimization of petrochemical processes.

The role requires a Master's in Chemical Engineering with 10+ years in petrochem, including at least 3 years in leadership. You will drive safety, process improvements, capital projects and mentor junior engineers while balancing on-site and hybrid collaboration.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• 10+ years in the petrochemical industry.
• Minimum 3 years in a supervisory or lead role.
• Strong knowledge of refining processes, catalysis, process control, and thermodynamics.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of chemical engineers in design, operation and optimization.
• Develop strategies to enhance plant efficiency and reduce costs.
• Oversee major projects, including new plant construction, equipment upgrades, and process modifications.
• Ensure strict compliance with health, safety, and environmental (HSE) regulations and company policies.
• Provide expert technical consultation and troubleshooting for complex operational challenges.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the engineering department.
• Manage vendor relationships and ensure quality of procured equipment and services.
• Develop and present technical reports and proposals to senior management.
• Mentor and develop junior engineers, fostering their technical and professional growth.
• Conduct process hazard analyses (PHAs) and implement risk mitigation strategies.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Process optimization

Safety compliance

Project management

Communication

Education

Master's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

Pro/II

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Chemical Engineer for our George, Western Cape facility to lead design, operation and optimization of petrochemical processes.

The role requires a Master's in Chemical Engineering with 10+ years in petrochem, including at least 3 years in leadership. You will drive safety, process improvements, capital projects and mentor junior engineers while balancing on-site and hybrid collaboration.