Lead Process Design Engineer - Petrochemicals

Placements24; Paarl; Presencial; ZAR 1.500.000 - 2.100.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Competitive salary package

Professional development

Descripción de la vacante

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Process Design Engineer in Paarl, Western Cape, SA to lead complex petrochemical plant design from concept to detailed engineering. You will mentor engineers, drive process simulations, and ensure safety and environmental compliance within project constraints.

The role requires a Master’s in Chemical Engineering with 10+ years in process design, plus proven leadership of large-scale projects. PE registration is highly preferred and relocation to Paarl is expected.

Formación

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or closely related field.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in process design with strong petrochemical focus.
• Proven experience leading process design for large-scale petrochemical projects.
• Expertise in process simulation software (Aspen Plus, HYSYS) and CAD tools.
• Solid grounding in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat/mass transfer.
• Strong knowledge of process safety, environmental regulations, and industry codes.
• Demonstrated leadership, team management and communication skills.
• PE registration is highly preferred.

Responsabilidades

• Lead development of process designs from concept to detailed engineering for petrochemical plants.
• Prepare and review PFDs, P&IDs, and other design documentation.
• Perform process simulations to optimize plant performance and energy efficiency.
• Specify process equipment (reactors, distillation columns, heat exchangers, pumps).
• Conduct process safety reviews (HAZOP) and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Mentor junior engineers and collaborate with other disciplines.
• Manage design within project timelines and budgets; uphold standards.
• Evaluate new process technologies to improve sustainability.

Conocimientos

Process design leadership

Process simulation

PFD/P&ID design

Equipment specification

Safety & compliance

Mentoring

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Educación

Master's degree in Chemical Engineering

Professional Engineer (PE) registration

Herramientas

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

CAD tools

Descripción del empleo

About the Role Our client, a prominent force in the Oil & Gas and petrochemical sectors, is seeking a highly experienced Lead Process Design Engineer to join their esteemed team in Paarl, Western Cape, ZA. This senior position is instrumental in conceptualizing, developing, and optimizing process designs for complex petrochemical facilities. You will lead a team of process engineers, ensuring designs meet stringent safety, environmental, and economic objectives. The role demands extensive knowledge of process simulation, PFD/P&ID development, and equipment design, specifically within the petrochemical domain. This is an unparalleled opportunity to drive innovation and shape major projects in the Western Cape. As a leader, you will play a key role in ensuring the technical excellence and successful execution of capital projects for our client.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of process designs from conceptualization through to detailed engineering for petrochemical plants.
• Prepare and review Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), and other key design documentation.
• Conduct process simulations and modeling to optimize plant performance, energy efficiency, and product yield.
• Specify process equipment, including reactors, distillation columns, heat exchangers, and pumps.
• Perform process safety reviews (e.g., HAZOP) and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
• Mentor and guide junior process engineers, fostering their technical development.
• Collaborate effectively with other engineering disciplines, project management, and operations teams.
• Ensure designs adhere to project specifications, industry standards, and company best practices.
• Manage the technical aspects of process design within project timelines and budgets.
• Evaluate and implement new process technologies to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in process design engineering, with substantial focus on the petrochemical industry.
• Proven experience leading process design for large-scale petrochemical projects.
• Expertise in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS) and CAD tools.
• Thorough understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and mass transfer principles.
• Strong knowledge of process safety, environmental regulations, and relevant industry codes.
• Demonstrated leadership, team management, and excellent communication skills.
• Ability to analyze complex technical problems and provide effective solutions.
• Experience working in the Paarl, Western Cape, ZA region or similar industrial hubs is advantageous.
• Professional Engineer (PE) or equivalent registration is highly preferred.

Benefits

• Our client provides a highly competitive salary package, annual bonuses, and comprehensive health, retirement, and other benefits.
• Continuous professional development is encouraged through training programs, certifications, and participation in industry conferences.
• This position is based at our Paarl, Western Cape, ZA office, offering a dynamic and collaborative engineering environment.

Join our Oil & Gas focused team and contribute to significant advancements in petrochemical engineering.