Petrochemical Process Development Engineer

Placements24; Mossel Bay; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Industry-leading salary

Bonus structure

Relocation assistance

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Petrochemical Process Development Engineer to advance novel and existing petrochemical processes in Mossel Bay. The role emphasizes research, scale-up, optimization, and safe operation within a cutting-edge facility.

You will work with R&D chemists, plant engineers, and operations teams to translate lab findings into commercial success while driving process improvements and innovation in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering with specialization in process development and scale-up.
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in petrochemical or chemical manufacturing.
• Expertise in reaction engineering, catalysis, and separation processes for petrochemicals.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (Aspen Plus, HYSYS) and advanced data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and optimization of chemical processes from concept to commercial implementation.
• Conduct lab and pilot plant experiments to gather data for process design and validation.
• Develop detailed process simulations to model kinetics, thermodynamics, and unit operations.
• Perform scale-up analyses translating bench-scale work to industrial scale.
• Develop PFDs, P&IDs, and operating procedures.
• Troubleshoot technical issues in process development and initial plant start-ups.
• Ensure safety, environmental, and economic targets are met in developed processes.
• Collaborate with equipment vendors and contractors during design and construction.
• Stay updated on emerging technologies and industry trends in petrochemical process engineering.
• Provide technical guidance to manufacturing and operations teams.
• Prepare technical reports and present findings to management.

Skills

Process development

Scale-up

Reaction engineering

Thermodynamics

Fluid mechanics

Process simulation

Project management

Analytical thinking

Education

Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the petrochemical industry, is seeking a highly experienced Petrochemical Process Development Engineer to join their state-of-the-art facility in Mossel Bay, Western Cape . This challenging role focuses on the research, development, scale-up, and optimization of novel and existing processes for the production of key petrochemical products. You will be instrumental in driving innovation, improving process efficiency, and ensuring the safe and sustainable operation of our manufacturing units. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in chemical reaction engineering, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and process simulation, coupled with a proven ability to translate laboratory findings into commercial reality. This position offers significant opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work on cutting-edge technologies within a dynamic and supportive environment. You will collaborate closely with R&D chemists, plant engineers, and operations teams to achieve breakthrough advancements in petrochemical manufacturing. The role is based in the scenic coastal town of Mossel Bay, Western Cape .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and optimization of chemical processes for petrochemical production, from conceptual design through to commercial implementation.
• Conduct laboratory and pilot plant experiments to gather data for process design and validation.
• Develop detailed process simulations using industry-standard software (e.g., Aspen Plus) to model reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and unit operations.
• Perform rigorous scale-up analyses, ensuring successful translation of processes from bench scale to industrial scale.
• Develop process flow diagrams (PFDs), piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), and operating procedures.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues encountered in process development and initial plant start-ups.
• Ensure all developed processes meet stringent safety, environmental, and economic targets.
• Collaborate with equipment vendors and engineering contractors during the design and construction phases.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends in petrochemical process engineering.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance to the manufacturing and operations teams.
• Prepare technical reports and present findings to management and stakeholders.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering with specialization in process development and scale-up.
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in the petrochemical or chemical manufacturing industry.
• Demonstrated expertise in reaction engineering, catalysis, and separation processes relevant to petrochemicals.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (Aspen Plus, HYSYS) and advanced data analysis techniques.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and heat/mass transfer principles.
• Proven experience in designing and operating pilot plants.
• Knowledge of process safety management (PSM) and risk assessment methodologies (HAZOP).
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong project management and communication skills, with the ability to lead technical teams.
• Experience with process control and instrumentation is beneficial.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa.

Benefits

• An industry-leading salary and comprehensive bonus structure.
• Exceptional health, retirement, and life insurance benefits.
• Significant investment in professional development, training, and conference attendance.
• Generous annual leave and company-mandated holidays.
• Opportunities for international assignments and career progression.
• Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates.
• Work in a stimulating and technologically advanced environment in Mossel Bay, Western Cape .
• Access to world-class research and development facilities.