Lead Process Engineer - Hydrocracker Division

Sasol; Sasolburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Sasolburg, NATREF Operations seeks a senior process engineer to deliver hydrocracker and allied process engineering, leading a small team for safe, reliable and compliant operation across the Hydrocracker, Residual Crude desulphurisation, Steam methane reforming and Sulphur recovery value chain.

The role drives techno-economic direction, supports Clean Fuels compliance, and mentors personnel while delivering process improvements and project execution at NATREF and Sasolburg sites.

Qualifications

• BSc/BEng in chemical engineering; professional registration preferred.
• Minimum 8 years process engineering experience; managerial experience is a plus.
• Experience in Petrochemical Refining is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Define and maintain plant operating envelopes to ensure safe, reliable operations.
• Drive high-performance culture and lead a self-directed team.
• Plan and prioritize process engineering activities and projects.
• Provide guidance to deliver short- and mid-term technical solutions.
• Develop and implement plant monitoring systems to detect deviations.
• Support process safety studies and ensure governance in projects.

Skills

TC Operating Knowledge

TC Process Risk Analysis

TC Process Safety / Environmental

TC Process Management

TC Production Planning

BC Accountability

BC Collaboration

BC Decision Quality

BC Strategic Mindset

Education

B.Sc/B.Eng Degree (Must)

Master's Degree in Chemical Engineering / related (Wish)

Job description

Sasol is a global integrated chemicals and energy company with a 75-year heritage. Through our talented people, we use our expertise and selected technologies to safely and sustainably source, manufacture and market chemical and energy products globally. When you join Team Sasol, you are joining a company that puts people at the center of everything we do.

Sasol invests in its employees along every stage of the career path and offers development opportunities to help you cultivate your career in a culture that embraces diversity and inclusion.

Job Req ID

13196

Closing Date

1 October 2026

OME

Sasolburg and Natref Operations

Location

Sasolburg

Purpose of Job

Responsible for process engineering delivery on plant support, monitoring, optimisation, studies, investigations and project execution by managing the Process Support team (of up to four members) and providing technical leadership in the Hydrocracker area. The role is responsible for leading studies and projects while establishing techno-economic direction with both short- and long-term strategic impact within NATREF operations. Furthermore, the role provides technical leadership to ensure safe, reliable, environmentally compliant and economically optimal operation of the Hydrocracker, Residual Crude desulphurisation, Steam methane reforming and Sulphur recovery value chain; while driving product quality excellence, supporting the refinery's Clean Fuels compliance strategy, and identifying future fuels and technology opportunities that enhance refinery competitiveness and sustainability.

Key Accountabilities

• Responsible for groups process engineering plant support deliverables to define and maintain the critical operating envelope parameters for each plant plus monitor and correct deviations from optimal plant performance in collaboration with production management. Within the group each plant operating within its operating envelope assures safe, reliable and sustainable operations and optimal performance within the value chain.
• Drive the groups high-performance culture with emphasis on delivery and results, by building self-directed, motivated and engaged team, supported by world class systems aimed at improving the group’s effectiveness and efficiency.
• Responsible for identifying, prioritizing and planning (including scheduling and resource loading) of all the groups plant support process engineering activities.
• Responsible for compiling and sign-off of the group prioritization list for all the studies and projects as defined on the agreed upon signed off shareholder studies priorities list.
• Provide expertise and guidance to deliver short term as well as medium term solutions to the existing and new technical issues.
• Responsible for development and implementation of plant monitoring systems capable to proactively identify potential deviations and risks to production volumes, product quality and equipment integrity.
• Accountable for development, implementation and successful outcome of plans to eliminate identified risks and preserve the combined shareholder production plan.
• Responsible for the groups ensuring technically robust process engineering deliverables during the front-end engineering design phase of projects as well as ensuring seamless back integration into existing refinery assets.
• Define the group’s current plant performance baseline and targets for improvements in terms of volumes, quality and units costs. Responsible for compliance to the targets and meeting the improvement targets.
• Responsible for providing quality process engineering input to projects and ensuring process engineering governance is followed.
• Responsible for implementation and management of the group’s performance contracts, personal development plans, training requirements and succession planning for personnel under supervision.
• Responsible for implementation and quality of the group reporting as required. E.g. Month end reports, techno-economic memos, study/ test run/ RCA/ investigation reports.
• Sign-off on the groups operating envelopes and any other technical documentation including critical parameters, operating windows, technical drivers, mass and energy balances, P&IDs, operating/training manuals, process simulations, unit operating and design manuals, etc.
• Maintaining effective collaboration with NATREF internal teams and external service providers and vendors.
• Drive the group’s shutdown and T&I process inspections and repair scoping, catalyst systems change out/regeneration and start up/stabilization support.
• Responsible for ensuring the accuracy and precision of all units LP models via test run verification, unit model updates and evaluations resulting in continuous improvement and fine tuning of the Business LP model used in the planning, optimisation and determination of Business Unit profitability via the Shareholders.
• Manage the group in providing input into, drive and support Process Safety Management studies, initiatives and defined compliance plans.
• Responsible for defining and managing all unit Process Safety Information.
• Development of Catalyst and Chemical strategies and implementation thereof.

Formal Education

B.Sc/B.Eng Degree (Must)

Master's Degree in Chemical Engineering, Petrochemical Refining, Project Management, Engineering Management, Business Administration or any other formal qualifications (Wish)

Work Experience

• Minimum 8 years overall process engineering experience.
• Managerial experience: Managing a team minimum 0-3 years (Wish)
• Experience in Petrochemical Refining (Wish)

Certification & Professional membership

PR Eng (wish)

Required Personal And Professional Skills

• TC_Operating Process Knowledge
• TC_Process Risk Analysis
• TC_Process Safety / Environmental
• TC_Process Management and Development
• TC_Production Planning
• BC_Ensures Accountability
• BC_Collaborates
• BC_Decision Quality
• BC_Inspires Engagement
• BC_Strategic Mindset

Sasol is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Inspired by our Purpose of “Innovating for a better world”, Sasol acknowledges that diversity is intrinsic to the fabric of our organisation and is the key to our growth and success. Sasol is committed to the full inclusion of all suitably qualified individuals. Preference will be given to applicants from designated groups and people with disabilities according to Sasol’s Employment Equity Plan. This includes reasonable accommodation to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Our automated process is designed to efficiently assess a large volume of applications. Should you not hear from us within 60 days of the advert closing then kindly consider your application unsuccessful. Thank you once-more for your interest in Sasol as your employer of choice, and we wish you all the best with your career aspirations and future applications with us.