Lead Process Design Engineer - Petrochemicals

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Housing allowance

Professional development

Medical aid

Annual leave

Conference attendance

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town seeks a Lead Process Design Engineer with extensive petrochemical experience to own FEED and detailed design for large facilities. You will lead design teams, ensuring technical integrity, safety, and environmental compliance, while mentoring junior engineers.

The role requires a deep technical background in petrochemical processes, strong project management, and the ability to drive complex projects to successful completion.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering (Master's/PhD preferred).
• 10+ years in process design; 5+ years in lead/supervisory roles in petrochem.
• Expertise in refining, olefins, polymers, aromatics.

Responsibilities

• Lead FEED and detailed design packages for petrochemical plants.
• Oversee PFDs, P&IDs, equipment specs, and control strategies.
• Conduct feasibility studies, simulations, and optimization analyses.
• Ensure compliance with industry codes, standards, and regulations.
• Mentor a team of process engineers and interface with clients and vendors.
• Provide technical guidance on process engineering matters and reviews.
• Develop and manage project budgets and schedules; champion safety by design.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of design processes.

Skills

Leadership

Process design

Mentoring

Stakeholder mgmt

Communication

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Master's degree or PhD preferred

Tools

Aspen HYSYS

UniSim

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly accomplished Lead Process Design Engineer with extensive experience in the petrochemical sector to join their esteemed engineering division based in Cape Town, Western Cape . This senior position is critical for conceptualizing, developing, and executing complex process designs for large-scale petrochemical facilities. You will be responsible for leading design teams, ensuring technical integrity, and delivering innovative solutions that meet stringent performance, safety, and environmental criteria. The ideal candidate will possess a deep technical understanding of petrochemical processes, strong project management skills, and a proven ability to mentor junior engineers. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape major capital projects and contribute significantly to the growth and technological advancement of a leading industry player in Cape Town . You will be at the forefront of designing sustainable and efficient petrochemical operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of front-end engineering design (FEED) and detailed design packages for petrochemical plants.
• Oversee process design activities, including PFDs, P&IDs, equipment specifications, and control strategies.
• Conduct feasibility studies, process simulations, and optimization analyses for new projects and existing facilities.
• Ensure designs adhere to all relevant industry codes, standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Manage and mentor a team of process engineers, fostering collaboration and technical excellence.
• Interface with clients, vendors, and other engineering disciplines to ensure project success.
• Perform technical reviews and provide expert guidance on process engineering matters.
• Develop and manage the process design budget and schedule for assigned projects.
• Champion safety in design, implementing best practices for hazard identification and risk mitigation.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives for design processes and methodologies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or equivalent; Master's degree or PhD is a strong asset.
• Over 10 years of relevant experience in process design engineering, with at least 5 years in a lead or supervisory role within the petrochemical industry.
• In-depth knowledge of petrochemical processes such as refining, olefins, polymers, and aromatics.
• Proficiency in process simulation and modeling software (e.g., Aspen HYSYS, UniSim).
• Expertise in HAZOP, LOPA, and other process safety analysis techniques.
• Demonstrated experience in leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams and managing complex projects.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to travel occasionally as required for project needs.
• Strong understanding of economic evaluations and project financing principles.
• Resident or willing to relocate to Cape Town, Western Cape .

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and provident fund benefits.
• Generous annual leave and study leave allowances.
• Professional development opportunities, including training and conference attendance.
• Relocation assistance package for successful candidates.
• Opportunity to work on high-profile, world-class projects.
• A dynamic and challenging work environment with opportunities for advancement.
• Company-provided housing or allowance for those relocating.
• Access to cutting-edge design tools and technologies.
• Regular employee recognition programs and team events.