Principal Chemical Process Engineer

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Life insurance

PD & conferences

Generous leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Principal Chemical Process Engineer to join its engineering team in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This senior role focuses on the design, optimization, and troubleshooting of large-scale chemical processes with emphasis on safety, efficiency, and sustainability.

You will provide technical leadership, mentor junior engineers, and drive innovation in process technology across project lifecycles, from conceptual design to commissioning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in chemical process design and engineering, preferably within the petrochemical or related heavy industries.
• Demonstrated expertise in process simulation, P&ID development, and equipment design.
• Thorough understanding of process safety management (PSM) principles and experience conducting HAZOP studies.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot complex operational problems and implement effective solutions.
• Strong knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and mass transfer principles.
• Excellent project management and leadership skills. Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) registration with ECSA is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and optimization of chemical processes from conceptual design through to detailed engineering and commissioning.
• Perform complex process simulations and modeling using industry-standard software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS).
• Develop process flow diagrams (PFDs), piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), and equipment specifications.
• Conduct hazard and operability studies (HAZOP) and other process safety assessments.
• Provide expert technical support for plant operations, troubleshooting operational issues, and implementing improvements.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies and process enhancements to improve efficiency, yield, and product quality.
• Mentor and guide junior chemical engineers, fostering their technical development.
• Collaborate with project management, procurement, and construction teams to ensure successful project execution.
• Ensure all process designs comply with relevant industry codes, standards, and environmental regulations.

Skills

Process design

Process simulation

HAZOP studies

Mentoring

Leadership

Safety compliance

Stakeholder comms

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

PFDs & P&IDs

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the petrochemical industry, is seeking a highly experienced and accomplished Principal Chemical Process Engineer to join their world-class engineering division in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This senior position is critical for the design, optimization, and troubleshooting of complex chemical processes within our large-scale manufacturing facilities. The ideal candidate will possess extensive expertise in process design, simulation, scale-up, and plant operations, with a strong focus on safety, efficiency, and sustainability. You will provide technical leadership, mentor junior engineers, and drive innovation in process technology. This is an outstanding opportunity to influence key operational decisions and contribute to the strategic growth of a leading industrial enterprise in Richards Bay. The role requires a deep understanding of chemical engineering principles and practical experience in a demanding industrial setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and optimization of chemical processes from conceptual design through to detailed engineering and commissioning.
• Perform complex process simulations and modeling using industry-standard software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS).
• Develop process flow diagrams (PFDs), piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), and equipment specifications.
• Conduct hazard and operability studies (HAZOP) and other process safety assessments.
• Provide expert technical support for plant operations, troubleshooting operational issues, and implementing improvements.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies and process enhancements to improve efficiency, yield, and product quality.
• Mentor and guide junior chemical engineers, fostering their technical development.
• Collaborate with project management, procurement, and construction teams to ensure successful project execution.
• Ensure all process designs comply with relevant industry codes, standards, and environmental regulations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in chemical process design and engineering, preferably within the petrochemical or related heavy industries.
• Demonstrated expertise in process simulation, P&ID development, and equipment design.
• Thorough understanding of process safety management (PSM) principles and experience conducting HAZOP studies.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot complex operational problems and implement effective solutions.
• Strong knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and mass transfer principles.
• Excellent project management and leadership skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with stakeholders at all levels.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) registration with ECSA is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, including a significant performance-based bonus.
• Comprehensive medical aid, retirement fund contributions, and life insurance are provided.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development, including advanced training and conference participation, are supported.
• Generous annual leave, sick leave, and company holidays ensure a healthy work-life balance.
• Relocation assistance to Richards Bay will be provided for successful candidates.
• This role presents a unique chance to lead critical engineering projects within a major industrial hub in KwaZulu-Natal.