Lead Process Engineer - Petrochemical

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Performance bonuses

Professional development

Relocation assistance

State-of-the-art facilities

Generous annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Lead Process Engineer for a Cape Town, Western Cape role with a hybrid work model. The position focuses on conceiving, designing, and implementing advanced petrochemical processes while upholding safety, environmental responsibility, and operational excellence.

You will mentor engineers, drive process improvements, and collaborate across project teams to deliver reliable plant performance and optimization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• 10+ years of relevant petrochemical/oil and gas experience.
• Proven track record in process design, scale-up, and troubleshooting of complex chemical plants.
• Proficiency with process simulation tools such as Aspen Plus or HYSYS.
• Strong knowledge of PSM and risk assessment techniques.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management abilities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead detailed design of petrochemical processes, including PFDs and P&IDs.
• Oversee simulations and optimizations to improve yield and energy efficiency.
• Conduct PHAs/HAZOP studies for new and existing facilities.
• Provide technical leadership to a team of engineers and designers.
• Collaborate with project management, operations and maintenance for delivery and commissioning.
• Troubleshoot complex process issues and recommend expert solutions.
• Drive process improvement initiatives to enhance plant reliability.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.

Skills

Leadership

Process design

PFDs & P&IDs

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

PSM

HAZOP

Project management

Stakeholder communication

Education

Chemical Engineering degree

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a leading player in the petrochemical industry, renowned for its commitment to innovation and operational excellence. We are seeking a highly experienced Lead Process Engineer to join our esteemed team in Cape Town, Western Cape . This pivotal role involves overseeing the conceptualization, design, and implementation of complex petrochemical processes, ensuring they meet the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility. The successful candidate will leverage their extensive expertise to drive process improvements, troubleshoot challenging operational issues, and contribute to strategic project development. This position offers a hybrid work model, blending the benefits of in-office collaboration with the flexibility of remote work. You will be a key figure in shaping the future of our petrochemical operations, mentoring junior engineers, and ensuring our processes remain at the forefront of industry advancements. Join a team that values innovation, collaboration, and sustainable practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the detailed design and engineering of petrochemical processes, including PFDs and P&IDs development.
• Oversee process simulations and optimizations to enhance yield, reduce energy consumption, and minimize waste.
• Conduct and review Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs) and HAZOP studies for new and existing facilities.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to a team of process engineers and designers.
• Collaborate with project management, operations, and maintenance teams to ensure successful project execution and plant commissioning.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex process-related issues in operating plants, providing expert recommendations.
• Develop and implement process improvement initiatives to enhance plant reliability and performance.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety, environmental, and industry regulations.
• Prepare technical specifications for equipment procurement and evaluate vendor proposals.
• Stay abreast of new technologies and industry best practices in petrochemical engineering.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in the petrochemical or oil and gas industry.
• Proven track record in process design, scale-up, and troubleshooting of complex chemical plants.
• Proficiency in process simulation software such as Aspen Plus, HYSYS, or similar.
• In-depth knowledge of process safety management (PSM) and risk assessment techniques.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience with project engineering and execution phases.
• Must be willing to adopt a hybrid working arrangement, balancing remote and in-office duties as required for collaboration and project needs in Cape Town, Western Cape .

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Performance-based bonuses.
• Opportunities for professional development and further education.
• Relocation assistance may be available.
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and technologies.
• A dynamic and challenging work environment.
• Generous annual leave allowance.