Process Design Engineer

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 850,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Process Design Engineer to join our client’s team in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. You will lead conceptual and detailed design for chemical plants, developing PFDs, P&IDs, and mass/energy balances to ensure safe, efficient, and economically viable processes.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years’ experience in process design (EPC/consulting), strong simulation skills (Aspen Plus, HYSYS, CHEMCAD), and solid knowledge of P&ID development, risk assessments, and industry

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of 5 years in process design, preferably EPC or consulting.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (Aspen Plus, HYSYS, CHEMCAD).
• Strong knowledge of P&ID development, equipment design, and process control.
• Experience conducting HAZOP studies and risk assessments.
• Familiarity with API/ASME codes and standards.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a project-driven team.
• Based in or willing to relocate to Nelspruit, Mpumalanga.

Responsibilities

• Develop conceptual designs and feasibility studies for new chemical processes and plants.
• Create PFDs, P&IDs, and mass/energy balances.
• Perform process simulations using industry tools (Aspen Plus, HYSYS, CHEMCAD).
• Size and specify major process equipment (reactors, distillation columns, pumps).
• Develop control strategies and P&ID logic.
• Conduct PHAs, including HAZOP studies.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (mechanical, electrical, instrumentation).
• Ensure designs comply with industry codes, standards, and environmental regulations.
• Provide technical support during detailed engineering, procurement, and construction.
• Optimize existing designs for performance and cost-effectiveness.

Skills

Process simulation

PFD/P&ID knowledge

HAZOP/risk assessment

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelors or Masters in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

CHEMCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in the design and construction of chemical processing facilities, is seeking an experienced Process Design Engineer to join their team in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. This role is central to the conceptualization and detailed design of new chemical plants and process modifications. You will be responsible for developing process flow diagrams, equipment specifications, and control strategies, ensuring designs are safe, efficient, and economically viable. The ideal candidate possesses strong simulation skills and a comprehensive understanding of chemical engineering principles applied to plant design. Work on exciting, large-scale projects from our Nelspruit, Mpumalanga office.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop conceptual designs and feasibility studies for new chemical processes and plants.
• Create Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), and mass/energy balances.
• Perform process simulations using industry-standard software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS).
• Size and specify major process equipment (reactors, distillation columns, pumps, etc.).
• Develop control strategies and P&ID logic.
• Conduct Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs), including HAZOP studies.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams (mechanical, electrical, instrumentation).
• Ensure designs comply with relevant industry codes, standards, and environmental regulations.
• Provide technical support during the detailed engineering, procurement, and construction phases.
• Optimize existing process designs for improved performance and cost-effectiveness.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process design engineering, preferably in EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) or consulting environments.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (Aspen Plus, HYSYS, CHEMCAD).
• Strong knowledge of P&ID development, equipment design, and process control.
• Experience conducting HAZOP studies and other risk assessments.
• Familiarity with relevant industry codes and standards (e.g., API, ASME).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a project-driven team environment.
• Based in or willing to relocate to Nelspruit, Mpumalanga.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package, and the opportunity to work on challenging and impactful engineering projects. You will be part of a highly skilled team in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, contributing to the advancement of the chemical industry. We foster a culture of innovation and professional development.