Principal Process Engineer

Placements24; Richards Bay; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Performance-based bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Process Engineer for our Richards Bay operations in KwaZulu-Natal. You will lead design, development, and optimization of chemical manufacturing processes, drive scale-up from lab to full commercial plant, and assure safety and environmental compliance.

Joining a global chemical leader, you will mentor junior engineers, collaborate with R&D, EHS and production teams, perform simulations (Aspen Plus, HYSYS), and implement process improvements to boost yield and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in process engineering within chemical/petrochemical industries.
• Experience in process design, simulation (Aspen Plus, HYSYS), and scale-up.
• Strong understanding of reaction engineering, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics.
• Experience with HAZOP studies and process safety management (PSM).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with ability to mentor teams.
• Proficiency in CAD and process simulation software.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and optimization of chemical manufacturing processes.
• Perform process simulations, mass and energy balances, and P&ID development.
• Troubleshoot process deviations, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Manage process scale-up from laboratory to pilot plant and full commercial scale.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Develop and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, yield, and product quality.
• Provide technical expertise and mentorship to junior engineers and operations staff.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including R&D, production, maintenance, and EHS.
• Stay current with advancements in chemical engineering technology and best practices.

Skills

Process design

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

P&ID development

Process simulation

Root cause analysis

Mentorship

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Chemical Engineering

Tools

CAD software

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in chemical manufacturing, is seeking an experienced Principal Process Engineer to join our operations in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA . This role is critical for optimizing and scaling up our complex chemical processes, ensuring efficiency, safety, and environmental compliance. You will lead process development initiatives, troubleshoot production challenges, and implement innovative solutions to enhance operational performance. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of chemical engineering principles, extensive experience in process design and optimization, and a proven ability to manage large-scale projects. You will work closely with plant operations, R&D, and engineering teams to drive continuous improvement and maintain our competitive edge. This is an on-site position, offering the chance to directly impact manufacturing excellence in a key industrial region.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and optimization of chemical manufacturing processes.


• Perform process simulations, mass and energy balances, and P&ID development.


• Troubleshoot process deviations, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.


• Manage process scale-up activities from laboratory to pilot plant and full commercial scale.


• Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.


• Develop and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, yield, and product quality.


• Provide technical expertise and mentorship to junior engineers and operations staff.


• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D, production, maintenance, and EHS.


• Stay current with advancements in chemical engineering technology and best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.


• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in process engineering within the chemical or petrochemical industry.


• Proven experience in process design, simulation (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS), and scale-up.


• Strong understanding of chemical reaction engineering, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics.


• Experience with HAZOP studies and process safety management (PSM).


• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.


• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to mentor and guide technical teams.


• Proficiency in relevant software, including CAD and process simulation tools.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.


• Must be willing to work on-site in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA .

Benefits

Our client provides a highly competitive salary package, comprehensive medical aid, retirement fund contributions, and performance-based bonuses. We offer significant opportunities for career advancement and professional development, including specialized training programs and support for professional certifications. Employees benefit from working with state-of-the‑art industrial facilities and advanced manufacturing technologies. Join our dedicated team and play a vital role in driving operational excellence in the heart of South Africa's industrial landscape.