Principal Chemical Engineer - Industrial Gases

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual Bonus

Medical Aid

Pension Fund

Life Assurance

Annual Leave

International Travel

Career Progression

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Chemical Engineer for our Durban client, a global leader in industrial gases. You will oversee design, construction and optimization of large-scale ASUs and related facilities, serving as the technical authority on complex projects with a focus on safety, efficiency and environmental compliance.

The role requires mentoring engineers, collaborating with international teams, and contributing to strategic planning and technology development.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Chemical Engineering from a recognized university.
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Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptual and detailed design of industrial gas production facilities, particularly ASUs.
• Construct and review PFDs, P&IDs, and equipment specs.
• Oversee PHAs and ensure safety measures are implemented.
• Mentor a team of engineers and technical staff.
• Collaborate with management, construction and commissioning teams.

Skills

Leadership

Process design

Cryogenic systems

PFDs & P&IDs

PHAs & safety

Process simulations

Aspen Plus

PRO/II

PSM

Team mentoring

Education

Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

PRO/II

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in the production and supply of industrial gases, is seeking a highly accomplished Principal Chemical Engineer to join their operations in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. This pivotal role involves overseeing the design, construction, and operational optimization of large-scale air separation units (ASUs) and related process facilities. You will be the technical authority on complex projects, ensuring that all engineering activities adhere to the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and environmental compliance. The successful candidate will leverage their extensive experience in cryogenic processes, thermodynamics, and process control to drive innovation and maintain the reliability of critical infrastructure. This position requires a strategic thinker with strong leadership capabilities and a proven track record of delivering complex engineering solutions. You will mentor junior engineers, contribute to strategic planning, and collaborate with international engineering teams. The role is crucial for maintaining our client's market leadership and ensuring the consistent supply of essential industrial gases to various sectors.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptual and detailed design of industrial gas production facilities, particularly ASUs.
• Provide senior technical expertise on process design, optimization, and troubleshooting for cryogenic systems.
• Conduct in-depth process simulations, modeling, and economic evaluations.
• Develop and review process flow diagrams (PFDs), piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), and equipment specifications.
• Oversee process hazard analyses (PHAs) and ensure implementation of safety measures.
• Manage and mentor a team of chemical engineers and technical staff.
• Collaborate with project management, construction, and commissioning teams to ensure successful project execution.
• Develop and implement strategies for operational efficiency improvements and cost reduction.
• Liaise with technology licensors, vendors, and regulatory bodies.
• Contribute to long-term strategic planning for process technology and asset development.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Chemical Engineering from a recognized university.
• 12+ years of progressive experience in process engineering, with significant specialization in industrial gas production and cryogenic technologies.
• Deep understanding of air separation principles, including distillation, adsorption, and liquefaction processes.
• Proven experience in leading large-scale engineering projects from concept to completion.
• Expertise in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, PRO/II) and thermodynamic property packages.
• Strong knowledge of process safety management (PSM) principles and risk assessment techniques.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with advanced process control strategies for complex systems.
• Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng) registration is strongly preferred.
• Willingness to travel occasionally as required by project needs.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, an attractive annual bonus scheme, and a comprehensive benefits package including excellent medical aid, pension fund, and life assurance.
• Employees enjoy ample annual leave, opportunities for international travel and training, and a clear path for career progression.
• This is a permanent, full-time position based in our state-of-the-art facilities in Durban, offering a stimulating work environment and the chance to shape the future of the industrial gases sector.