On-Site Chemical Engineer: Plant Ops & Optimization

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical benefits

Retirement benefits

Career development opportunities

On-site role in Paarl

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Chemical Engineer for a hands-on, on-site role in Paarl, Western Cape. You will oversee plant operations, troubleshoot issues, drive process improvements, and ensure safety and regulatory compliance.

You will collaborate with operations, maintenance and management to meet production targets and uphold safety culture. The role emphasizes operational excellence, continuous learning, and mentoring junior engineers in a demanding industrial setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering.
• 4–6 years of experience in chemical plant operations and process engineering.
• Strong understanding of chemical processes, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and reaction kinetics.
• Experience with process control systems and instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Monitor plant operations to ensure efficiency, safety, and product quality.
• Troubleshoot process upsets and implement effective solutions to minimize downtime.
• Develop and execute plans for process optimization and yield improvement.
• Conduct root cause analyses for operational issues and implement corrective actions.
• Manage Management of Change (MOC) processes for plant modifications.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Collaborate with maintenance teams on equipment reliability and preventative maintenance strategies.
• Prepare operational reports, performance analyses, and technical documentation.
• Support the implementation of new technologies and process upgrades.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians on plant operations and safety procedures.

Skills

Process optimization

Troubleshooting

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process control systems

Instrumentation

Process simulation software

Job description

Placements24 seeks an experienced Chemical Engineer for a hands-on, on-site role in Paarl, Western Cape. You will oversee plant operations, troubleshoot issues, drive process improvements, and ensure safety and regulatory compliance.

You will collaborate with operations, maintenance and management to meet production targets and uphold safety culture. The role emphasizes operational excellence, continuous learning, and mentoring junior engineers in a demanding industrial setting.