Process Design Engineer - Petrochemical Expansion

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,350,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Bonuses (project-based)

Job summary

Placements24 in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, seeks a talented Process Design Engineer to drive conceptual and detailed design for new process units and modifications. You’ll leverage process simulation, PFDs/P&IDs and equipment design experience to deliver safe, efficient solutions.

The ideal candidate has 6+ years in petrochemical or chemical industries with strong design engineering practices, safety in design, and collaboration across disciplines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum 6 years’ experience in process design engineering in petrochemical/oil & gas/chemical sectors.
• Proficiency with process simulation software and thermodynamic packages.

Responsibilities

• Develop process design packages (PFDs, P&IDs, heat and material balances, equipment specs).
• Run process simulations and calculations with Aspen HYSYS/PRO/II.
• Design major process equipment (reactors, columns, heat exchangers, pumps).
• Conduct HAZOPs and ensure safety in designs.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical and instrumentation teams.
• Support construction, commissioning and startup phases.
• Develop operating manuals for new or modified processes.
• Evaluate new technologies and propose innovative design solutions.

Skills

Process design

Process simulation

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Project management

Communication

Unit operations

Heat & mass transfer

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen HYSYS

PRO/II

PFDs & P&IDs

Job description

About the Role An exciting opportunity exists for a talented Process Design Engineer to join a major petrochemical company undertaking significant expansion projects. Based in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga , this role will be instrumental in the conceptual and detailed design phases of new process units and modifications to existing facilities. You will leverage your expertise in process simulation, equipment design, and P&ID development to deliver safe, efficient, and cost-effective engineering solutions. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in the petrochemical or chemical industry, with a strong focus on design engineering principles and best practices. This position offers substantial challenges and rewards, working on cutting-edge technology in the Nelspruit region, contributing to the growth of the petrochemical sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop process design packages, including PFDs, P&IDs, heat and material balances, and equipment specifications.
• Perform process simulations and calculations using industry-standard software (e.g., Aspen HYSYS, PRO/II).
• Design and specify major process equipment such as reactors, columns, heat exchangers, and pumps.
• Conduct process safety reviews (e.g., HAZOP) during the design phase and ensure safety is integrated into all designs.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams (mechanical, electrical, instrumentation) to ensure seamless project execution.
• Provide technical support during the construction, commissioning, and startup phases of projects.
• Develop and review operating manuals and procedures for new or modified processes.
• Evaluate new technologies and propose innovative design solutions.
• Ensure designs comply with all relevant industry codes, standards, and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• A minimum of 6 years of experience in process design engineering within the petrochemical, oil & gas, or chemical industries.
• Proficiency in process simulation software and familiarity with thermodynamic packages.
• Strong understanding of unit operations, fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and mass transfer.
• Experience in developing PFDs and P&IDs, and specifying process equipment.
• Knowledge of process safety principles and participation in HAZOP studies.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration abilities.
• Experience with project management principles is a plus.
• Must be eligible for full-time employment in South Africa.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid, retirement fund, and potential for project-based bonuses.
• Opportunities for advanced training and professional development are provided.
• The company encourages innovation and offers a dynamic work environment in Nelspruit.
• A hybrid work arrangement balances project focus with team collaboration.
• You will be part of a forward-thinking company involved in significant industrial development.