Principal Chemical Engineer - Refinery Leadership

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

International travel opportunities

Training & development

Executive-level benefits

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Chemical Engineer in Mossel Bay with 15+ years in refinery operations and project leadership. You will guide design, optimization, and safe operation of refinery processes, and lead major upgrades with cross-functional teams.

Expertise in crude processing, hydrocracking, and distillation, plus proficiency in Aspen HYSYS and PRO/II, is required. This role emphasizes safety, risk management, and strategic tech innovation in a premier energy facility.

Qualifications

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• 15+ years in refinery operations, process engineering, and project management.
• Deep knowledge of crude oil processing and refining units.
• Proven track record leading large refinery projects.
• Experience with process simulation tools such as Aspen HYSYS and PRO/II.
• Strong safety, environmental, and risk management understanding.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior technical leadership and expert guidance on all aspects of refinery operations and process design.
• Lead complex engineering projects, including process upgrades, debottlenecking, and new unit installations.
• Develop and implement strategies to optimise refinery performance, maximise product yield, and minimise operational costs.
• Ensure strict adherence to safety, health, and environmental (SHE) regulations and company policies.
• Conduct advanced process analysis, troubleshooting, and root cause failure analysis for critical equipment and processes.
• Mentor and develop a team of chemical engineers and technical specialists, fostering a culture of technical excellence.
• Collaborate with management and other departments to align engineering initiatives with business objectives.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies and process innovations to enhance refinery efficiency and sustainability.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, feasibility studies, and project proposals.
• Act as a key technical point of contact for external stakeholders, regulators, and vendors.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Communication

Problem-solving

Decision-making

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering

Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) registration desirable

Tools

Aspen HYSYS

PRO/II

Job description

Placements24 seeks a Principal Chemical Engineer in Mossel Bay with 15+ years in refinery operations and project leadership. You will guide design, optimization, and safe operation of refinery processes, and lead major upgrades with cross-functional teams.

Expertise in crude processing, hydrocracking, and distillation, plus proficiency in Aspen HYSYS and PRO/II, is required. This role emphasizes safety, risk management, and strategic tech innovation in a premier energy facility.