Principal Chemical Engineer - Petrochemicals

Placements24; Centurion; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, life and disability insurance

Retirement plan

Performance-based bonuses

Professional development & training

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Chemical Engineer - Petrochemicals to join its technical division. This remote role may involve travel to Centurion, Gauteng, and requires deep expertise to guide strategic process improvements and mentor engineers.

The candidate should hold a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering with petrochemical specialization and 12–15 years of industry experience, including catalysis, refining, and process control. Strong communication and executive presence are essential.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering with petrochemicals specialization.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical consultation on petrochemical process engineering, including design, operation, and optimization.
• Lead high-impact projects on process intensification, energy efficiency and sustainability.
• Develop and implement advanced process control strategies for complex units.
• Conduct technical reviews and risk assessments for new and existing operations.
• Mentor senior and junior engineers, building a high-performance technical team.
• Contribute to strategic planning and technology roadmap for petrochemical assets.
• Research and evaluate new technologies and catalysts relevant to petrochemical production.
• Serve as SME in regulatory interactions and industry consortia.
• Troubleshoot and resolve exceptionally challenging technical issues affecting plant performance.
• Prepare and deliver high-level technical presentations to senior management.

Education

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering (petrochemicals specialization)

PE registration preferred

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the petrochemical industry, is seeking a highly distinguished Principal Chemical Engineer - Petrochemicals to join their esteemed technical division, operating remotely but with potential travel to their facilities near Centurion, Gauteng. This senior role requires deep technical expertise in petrochemical processes, catalysis, and plant operations. You will be responsible for providing expert guidance on complex engineering challenges, driving strategic process improvements, and contributing to the long-term technological roadmap of the company. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned engineer to leverage their extensive experience to influence critical business decisions and shape the technological direction of large-scale petrochemical operations. The ideal candidate will possess a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical, hands-on experience in a demanding industrial environment. We are looking for a recognized authority in the field who can mentor other engineers and contribute significantly to the company’s intellectual capital.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical consultation on all aspects of petrochemical process engineering, including design, operation, and optimization.
• Lead high-impact projects focused on process intensification, energy efficiency, and sustainability.
• Develop and implement advanced process control strategies for complex petrochemical units.
• Conduct in-depth technical reviews and risk assessments for new projects and existing operations.
• Mentor and guide senior and junior engineers, fostering a high-performance technical team.
• Contribute to the strategic planning and technology roadmap for the company’s petrochemical assets.
• Research and evaluate new technologies and catalysts relevant to petrochemical production.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in interactions with regulatory bodies and industry consortia.
• Troubleshoot and resolve exceptionally challenging technical issues affecting plant performance.
• Prepare and deliver high-level technical presentations to senior management and stakeholders.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or a closely related field, with a specialization in petrochemicals.
• A minimum of 12-15 years of experience in the petrochemical industry, with significant exposure to complex process design and operational challenges.
• Demonstrated leadership in technical problem-solving and project management.
• Extensive knowledge of refining processes, steam cracking, polymerization, and related technologies.
• In-depth understanding of catalysis, reaction engineering, and separation science in a petrochemical context.
• Proven ability to develop and implement advanced process control strategies.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and influencing skills, suitable for executive-level interaction.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking capabilities.
• Published research or patents in the field of petrochemical engineering are highly desirable.
• Eligibility for Professional Engineer (PE) or equivalent international registration is preferred.

Benefits

This role offers a highly competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with an exceptional benefits package including comprehensive health, life, and disability insurance, a robust retirement plan, and performance-based bonuses. Our client provides significant investment in professional development, including access to exclusive training, industry conferences, and opportunities to publish research. While the role is remote, occasional travel to Centurion, Gauteng , facilities may be required. The company fosters a culture of intellectual curiosity and encourages contributions to the broader scientific community. This is a unique chance to shape the future of the petrochemical industry.