Principal Chemical Process Engineer

Placements24; Richards Bay; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is assisting a major petrochemical client in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal to recruit a Principal Chemical Process Engineer. The role focuses on design, optimization, and troubleshooting of complex processes, providing technical leadership and mentoring to engineers in a high‑hazard, large‑scale plant.

Key duties include process simulations with Aspen Plus or HYSYS, developing PFDs and P&IDs, conducting HAZOPs, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance, and collaborating with project

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 petrochemical or related heavy industries.
• Demonstrated expertise in process simulation, P&ID development, and equipment design.
• Thorough understanding of PSM principles and experience conducting HAZOP studies.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot complex operational problems and implement effective solutions.
• Strong knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and heat transfer.

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 Aspen Plus, HYSYS.
• Develop PFDs, 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 implement new technologies to improve efficiency, yield, and product quality.
• Mentor and guide junior chemical engineers and collaborate with project teams to ensure successful execution.
• Ensure designs comply with industry codes, standards, and environmental regulations.

Skills

Process design

PSM

Technical leadership

Mentoring

Troubleshooting

Education

Chemical Engineering - Bachelors/Masters

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

PFDs

P&IDs

HAZOP

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