Process Design Engineer - Petrochemical Sector

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Professional development

On-site Durban role

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Process Design Engineer for its Durban operations. You will design and optimize chemical processes, simulate performance, and support safety/compliance initiatives across large-scale facilities.

The role requires 5+ years in process design, strong thermodynamics knowledge, and hands-on use of Aspen Plus or HYSYS to develop PFDs and P&IDs. On-site collaboration with operations and project teams is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process design within the petrochemical or chemical processing industry.
• Proficiency in process simulation software such as Aspen Plus, HYSYS, or similar.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, mass transfer, and heat transfer principles.
• Experience in developing PFDs and P&IDs.
• Knowledge of HAZOP studies and process safety management (PSM).
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.
• Familiarity with industry codes and standards (e.g., ASME, API).
• Experience with specific unit operations common in petrochemical refining is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop conceptual and detailed process designs for new chemical plants and modifications to existing facilities, including PFDs and P&IDs.
• Perform process simulations and calculations using industry-standard software to analyze and optimize process performance, energy efficiency, and product yield.
• Conduct feasibility studies and economic evaluations for proposed process modifications and capital projects.
• Specify process equipment, including reactors, heat exchangers, pumps, and distillation columns, ensuring safety and performance requirements.
• Collaborate with project engineering teams, HAZOP studies, and safety personnel to ensure process safety and environmental compliance.
• Troubleshoot operational issues and provide technical support to the plant operations team to resolve process-related problems.
• Stay updated on new technologies, industry best practices, and regulatory changes relevant to petrochemical processing.
• Prepare technical reports, operating manuals, and training materials for new processes.

Skills

Chemical Eng

Process Design

HAZOP

Thermodynamics

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's/Master in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the petrochemical industry, is seeking a dedicated Process Design Engineer to join their established operations in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal . This role is critical for the design, optimization, and troubleshooting of complex chemical processes within their state-of-the-art facilities. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing innovative process solutions that enhance efficiency, safety, and environmental compliance. We are looking for a highly analytical and detail-oriented engineer with a strong understanding of chemical engineering principles and practical experience in process simulation and design. This is a hands‑on position requiring on‑site presence to effectively collaborate with operations and project teams, ensuring the smooth functioning and continuous improvement of our client's vital production units. The Durban location offers a vibrant industrial landscape and a strategic base for the chemical sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop conceptual and detailed process designs for new chemical plants and modifications to existing facilities, including PFDs (Process Flow Diagrams) and P&IDs (Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams).
• Perform process simulations and calculations using industry‑standard software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS) to analyze and optimize process performance, energy efficiency, and product yield.
• Conduct feasibility studies and economic evaluations for proposed process modifications and capital projects.
• Specify process equipment, including reactors, heat exchangers, pumps, and distillation columns, ensuring compliance with safety and performance requirements.
• Collaborate with project engineering teams, HAZOP studies, and safety personnel to ensure process safety and environmental compliance.
• Troubleshoot operational issues and provide technical support to the plant operations team to resolve process‑related problems.
• Stay updated on new technologies, industry best practices, and regulatory changes relevant to petrochemical processing.
• Prepare technical reports, operating manuals, and training materials for new processes.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process design within the petrochemical or chemical processing industry.
• Proficiency in process simulation software such as Aspen Plus, HYSYS, or similar.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, mass transfer, and heat transfer principles.
• Experience in developing PFDs and P&IDs.
• Knowledge of HAZOP studies and process safety management (PSM).
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.
• Familiarity with industry codes and standards (e.g., ASME, API).
• Experience with specific unit operations common in petrochemical refining is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid, provident fund contributions, and performance‑based incentives.
• Opportunities for professional development, including specialized training and attendance at industry conferences, are provided.
• The role offers the chance to work on challenging and impactful projects within a stable and reputable company in the thriving industrial hub of Durban.
• Access to advanced process simulation tools and a collaborative work environment are key advantages.