Lead Petrochemical Process Design Engineer

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Performance bonuses

Professional development

Hybrid work model

International projects

Advanced training

Generous leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Lead Petrochemical Process Design Engineer to spearhead innovative design projects in Cape Town, Western Cape. You will lead a team of engineers, mentor junior staff, and champion best practices in process design, safety, and sustainability.

You will design complex petrochemical processes, develop PFDs and P&IDs, perform simulations, and collaborate with project managers and construction teams to ensure safe, economical, and compliant solutions for

Qualifications

• 10+ years of relevant experience in petrochemical process design
• 3+ years in lead or supervisory role
• Experience with international codes and standards (API, ASME)

Responsibilities

• Lead conceptual and detailed design of complex petrochemical processes, ensuring adherence to project specs and industry standards
• Manage and mentor a team of process engineers
• Conduct PHAs and implement mitigation strategies to ensure safety
• Develop PFDs, P&IDs, and equipment specifications
• Perform detailed process simulations and calculations to optimize unit operations
• Collaborate with project managers, mechanical, instrumentation, and construction teams
• Evaluate new technologies to enhance efficiency and sustainability
• Review and approve design packages for technical accuracy and regulatory compliance
• Prepare technical documentation and presentations for stakeholders

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Process safety

Communication

PHAs/LOPA

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced and visionary Lead Petrochemical Process Design Engineer to spearhead innovative design projects. This role is critical in developing and implementing advanced process solutions for large-scale petrochemical facilities in the vibrant city of Cape Town, Western Cape . The successful candidate will lead a team of engineers, mentor junior staff, and champion best practices in process design, safety, and sustainability. This hybrid role offers a blend of focused office-based collaboration and remote flexibility, allowing for optimal work-life balance. You will be at the forefront of designing complex processes that are efficient, safe, and environmentally responsible, contributing significantly to the company's strategic goals and reputation as an industry leader. Your expertise will be vital in ensuring the technical integrity and economic viability of projects, from conceptualization through to detailed design and handover to construction.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptual and detailed design of complex petrochemical processes, ensuring adherence to project specifications and industry standards.
• Manage and mentor a team of process engineers, fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment.
• Conduct rigorous process hazard analyses (PHAs) and implement mitigation strategies to ensure operational safety.
• Develop process flow diagrams (PFDs), piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), and equipment specifications.
• Perform detailed process simulations and calculations to optimize unit operations and ensure performance targets are met.
• Collaborate closely with project managers, mechanical engineers, instrumentation engineers, and construction teams throughout the project lifecycle.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies and methodologies to enhance process efficiency and sustainability.
• Review and approve design packages, ensuring technical accuracy and compliance with all relevant codes and regulations.
• Prepare technical documentation, reports, and presentations for project stakeholders and management.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• 10+ years of relevant experience in petrochemical process design, with at least 3 years in a lead or supervisory role.
• In-depth knowledge of petrochemical processes, refining operations, and associated technologies.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS) and design tools.
• Strong understanding of process safety principles, HAZOP studies, and LOPA.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and team management skills.
• Experience with international codes and standards (e.g., API, ASME).
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, balancing remote and office-based tasks.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and meet demanding deadlines.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary
• comprehensive medical aid
• retirement fund contributions
• performance bonuses
• ongoing professional development opportunities
• This hybrid role allows for flexible working arrangements, blending collaborative office time in Cape Town, Western Cape with remote work flexibility.
• We provide a stimulating work environment with opportunities to work on challenging international projects.
• Further benefits include access to advanced training programs, generous annual leave, and a supportive management structure dedicated to employee growth and success.
• You will be part of a company that values innovation and invests in its people, offering clear career progression pathways and exposure to cutting-edge technology in the petrochemical sector.