Lead Process Engineer - Chemical Manufacturing

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus opportunities

Health & retirement benefits

Professional development and training

Hybrid work model in Vereeniging

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Lead Process Engineer for its Vereeniging operations. You will drive design, optimization, and troubleshooting of chemical processes, leading a team of engineers and technicians to boost yield, safety, and cost efficiency.

The role requires 8+ years in chemical process engineering, strong simulation skills (Aspen Plus, HYSYS), and solid PSM practice. You will operate in a hybrid model balancing on-site support with off-site development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering is required.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in process engineering in chemical manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of reaction engineering, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and separations.
• Experience with process design, simulation and optimization.
• Experience with process safety management (PSM) and hazard analysis techniques.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and implementation of new chemical processes and modifications.
• Optimize production processes for yield, efficiency, safety, and environmental compliance.
• Troubleshoot process issues, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Conduct PHAs and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
• Develop and manage process simulation models for design and optimization.
• Provide technical leadership to engineers and technicians.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and R&D to integrate improvements.
• Oversee commissioning and start-up of equipment and units.
• Maintain process documentation including P&IDs and procedures.
• Stay updated on industry best practices and emerging technologies.
• Manage project timelines and budgets for process engineering initiatives in Vereeniging.

Skills

Process design

Team leadership

Process optimization

PHAs & safety

Troubleshooting

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Master's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the chemical manufacturing industry, is seeking an experienced Lead Process Engineer to join their operations in Vereeniging . This role is central to optimizing and improving chemical production processes, ensuring efficiency, safety, and quality. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in chemical engineering principles, extensive experience in process design, optimization, and troubleshooting within a manufacturing environment. You will lead a team of engineers, driving innovation and implementing best practices to enhance production output and reduce operational costs. This is a key opportunity to make a significant impact in a critical industrial sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of new chemical processes and modifications to existing ones.
• Optimize production processes to improve yield, efficiency, safety, and environmental compliance.
• Troubleshoot process-related issues, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Conduct process hazard analyses (PHAs) and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
• Develop and manage process simulation models for design and optimization purposes.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to a team of process engineers and technicians.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and R&D departments to ensure seamless integration of process improvements.
• Oversee the commissioning and start-up of new equipment and process units.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, including P&IDs, operating procedures, and training materials.
• Stay updated on industry best practices and emerging technologies in chemical engineering.
• Manage project timelines and budgets for assigned process engineering initiatives in Vereeniging .

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in process engineering within the chemical manufacturing industry.
• Strong understanding of chemical reaction engineering, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and separation processes.
• Proven experience in process design, simulation (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS), and optimization.
• Demonstrated experience with process safety management (PSM) principles and hazard analysis techniques.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience managing engineering projects and cross-functional teams.
• Familiarity with various unit operations and equipment used in chemical plants.
• Ability to work effectively in a Hybrid model, balancing on-site operational support in Vereeniging with off-site process development and analysis.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Comprehensive health, retirement, and insurance benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional development, certifications, and advanced training.
• Exposure to diverse and challenging chemical manufacturing processes.
• A collaborative and supportive work environment focused on continuous improvement.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays.
• Potential for career advancement into senior management positions.
• Company-provided tools and resources for effective remote work.