Lead Process Design Engineer

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

Job summary

Placements24 in Upington, Northern Cape, SA, seeks a seasoned Lead Process Design Engineer to lead process design packages for oil & gas facilities. The role focuses on PFDs, P&IDs, simulations, and hazard analyses, with mentoring duties for junior engineers.

The position offers a hybrid work arrangement on-site in Upington with remote work for analysis and report preparation. A strong leadership background and 9+ years of relevant experience are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• Master's degree is a strong asset.
• 9+ years of progressive experience in process design engineering within Oil & Gas, petrochemical, or chemical processing industries.
• Proven leadership experience in managing process design projects and teams.
• Expertise in process simulation software and PFD/P&ID development.
• In-depth knowledge of process safety principles and methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of process design packages, including PFDs and P&IDs.
• Perform process simulations and calculations using industry-standard software such as Aspen HYSYS and PRO/II.
• Conduct feasibility studies and conceptual design work for new projects and upgrades.
• Ensure process designs comply with relevant codes, standards and regulations (API, ASME).
• Perform hazard identification and risk assessments (HAZOP) and implement safety measures.
• Select and specify major process equipment (pumps, compressors, heat exchangers, vessels).
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, civil disciplines and stakeholders.
• Mentor and guide junior process engineers and foster their technical development.
• Review and approve vendor documentation for process equipment.
• Contribute to technical specifications and proposals.

Skills

Leadership

Team mentoring

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Master's degree

Tools

Aspen HYSYS

PRO/II

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent engineering firm serving the Oil & Gas industry, is seeking an experienced Lead Process Design Engineer to join their esteemed team in Upington, Northern Cape, ZA . This role is critical for conceptualizing, developing, and optimizing process designs for various oil and gas facilities, from upstream production to downstream refining. You will lead design efforts, mentor junior engineers, and ensure designs meet stringent safety, efficiency, and environmental standards. This Hybrid position involves key design activities and client interactions on-site in Upington , balanced with the flexibility of remote work for detailed analysis and report preparation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of process design packages, including PFDs (Process Flow Diagrams) and P&IDs (Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams).
• Perform process simulations and calculations using industry-standard software (e.g., Aspen HYSYS, PRO/II).
• Conduct feasibility studies and conceptual design work for new projects and facility upgrades.
• Ensure process designs comply with all relevant codes, standards, and regulations (e.g., API, ASME).
• Perform hazard identification and risk assessments (e.g., HAZOP studies) and implement safety measures.
• Select and specify major process equipment, including pumps, compressors, heat exchangers, and vessels.
• Collaborate effectively with other engineering disciplines (mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, civil) and project stakeholders.
• Mentor and guide junior process engineers, fostering their technical development.
• Review and approve vendor documentation for process equipment.
• Contribute to the development of technical specifications and proposals.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related discipline.
• A Master's degree is a strong asset.
• Minimum of 9 years of progressive experience in process design engineering within the Oil & Gas , petrochemical, or chemical processing industries.
• Proven leadership experience in managing process design projects and teams.
• Expertise in process simulation software and PFD/P&ID development.
• In-depth knowledge of process safety principles and methodologies.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and mass/heat transfer principles.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Effective communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills, essential for a Hybrid role.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Experience with front-end engineering design (FEED) and detailed design phases.
• Familiarity with South African regulatory landscape is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, alongside performance-based bonuses and potential for profit sharing. A comprehensive benefits program includes excellent medical aid coverage, a pension fund, and life assurance. Opportunities for professional growth and advancement are actively encouraged, with support for further training and industry certifications. The Hybrid working model promotes an effective work-life balance. Additional benefits include generous annual leave, access to state-of-the-art design tools, and the chance to contribute to significant projects within the Oil & Gas sector from our Upington base.