Principal Process Engineer: Scale-Up & Optimization

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

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