Principal Chemical Engineer - Petrochemical Operations

Placements24; Mossel Bay; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary package

Medical coverage

Life insurance

Retirement fund

International travel

Leadership development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Chemical Engineer to provide expert technical leadership for Mossel Bay operations in the Western Cape. This on-site role requires guiding a team, tackling major process issues, and driving safety, reliability, and efficiency across petrochemical processes.

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering with 12+ years in refinery or petrochemical environments, and a strong track record in process safety and optimization.

Qualifications

• Masters or PhD in Chemical Engineering from a reputable institution.
• Minimum 12 years of extensive experience in chemical engineering with focus on petrochemical/refinery operations.
• Proven track record leading complex technical projects in large-scale industrial environments.
• Expertise in petrochemical processes (cracking, reforming, distillation, synthesis).

Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical direction and mentorship to chemical engineers and operational teams.
• Lead investigation and resolution of complex operational issues, identifying root causes and implementing solutions.
• Drive continuous improvement to enhance process efficiency, energy use, and product quality.
• Oversee technical integrity of critical process equipment and systems for reliability and safety.
• Lead process safety management activities including HAZOP reviews and risk assessments.
• Develop strategies for debottlenecking, capacity expansion, and technology upgrades.
• Collaborate with project teams to integrate new assets into operations.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and company policies.
• Represent the company in technical forums and maintain relationships with technology providers.
• Contribute to long-term strategic planning for plant operations and tech roadmap.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Problem solving

Process safety

Petrochemical knowledge

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering

Tools

HAZOP methods

Risk assessment

Process control systems

Instrumentation

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major force in the petrochemical industry, is seeking an experienced and highly skilled Principal Chemical Engineer to provide expert technical leadership for their extensive operations in Mossel Bay, Western Cape. This senior role is critical for driving operational excellence, ensuring the reliability and efficiency of complex petrochemical processes, and mentoring a team of highly capable engineers. The successful candidate will be responsible for tackling the most challenging technical issues, leading major improvement initiatives, and ensuring the highest standards of safety and environmental compliance in a demanding industrial setting. This is a critical on-site role requiring full commitment to the Mossel Bay facility.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical direction and mentorship to chemical engineers and operational teams involved in petrochemical processes.
• Lead the investigation and resolution of complex operational issues, identifying root causes and implementing sustainable solutions.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on enhancing process efficiency, yield, energy consumption, and product quality.
• Oversee the technical integrity of critical process equipment and systems, ensuring reliability and safety.
• Lead and participate in process safety management activities, including HAZOP reviews, risk assessments, and incident investigations.
• Develop and implement strategies for debottlenecking, capacity expansion, and technology upgrades within the petrochemical plant.
• Collaborate with project engineering teams to ensure seamless integration of new assets and modifications into operations.
• Ensure strict compliance with all environmental regulations, permits, and company policies.
• Represent the company in technical forums and maintain strong relationships with technology providers and industry peers.
• Contribute to long-term strategic planning for plant operations and technology roadmap development.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from a reputable institution.
• A minimum of 12 years of extensive experience in chemical engineering, with a significant focus on petrochemical or refinery operations.
• Proven track record of successfully leading complex technical problem-solving and process improvement projects in large-scale industrial environments.
• In-depth knowledge of petrochemical processes (e.g., cracking, reforming, distillation, synthesis).
• Expertise in process safety management, risk assessment, and hazard analysis techniques.Strong understanding of process control, instrumentation, and operational optimization strategies.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities, with the ability to mentor and influence engineering teams and operational staff.
• Exceptional analytical, critical thinking, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng) registration with ECSA is mandatory.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly attractive executive-level salary package, substantial performance bonuses, and comprehensive benefits including top-tier medical coverage, life insurance, and a generous retirement fund. Significant opportunities for professional growth, international travel for conferences, and leadership development are provided. This demanding yet rewarding role is based in Mossel Bay, Western Cape.