Process Design Engineer - Petrochemicals

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 950,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Professional development

On-site parking

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a skilled Process Design Engineer to join our client’s established team in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. The role focuses on conceptualization and detailed design of new petrochemical plants and modifications to existing facilities, ensuring safe, efficient operations and regulatory compliance.

The ideal candidate has a Chemical Engineering degree, 5+ years in process design in petrochemicals, and expertise in process simulation (Aspen Plus/HYSYS) and PHAs/HAZOP studies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum 5 years in process design in petrochemicals/oil & gas.
• Proficient in Aspen Plus or HYSYS; strong process simulation skills.
• Knowledge of API and ASME codes.
• Registered or eligible for ECSA registration.
• Strong communication and teamwork; ability to work under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Develop PFDs and heat & material balances for new units or modifications.
• Prepare P&IDs and process control philosophies.
• Run process simulations and hydraulic calculations using industry software.
• Specify major equipment: reactors, columns, heat exchangers, pumps.
• Conduct PHAs/HAZOP studies and implement safety recommendations.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams during project execution.
• Support construction, commissioning, and start-up phases of projects.
• Evaluate new process technologies to improve efficiency and sustainability.
• Develop cost estimates and provide technical justifications.

Skills

HAZOP studies

Analytical skills

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the petrochemical sector, is actively seeking a skilled Process Design Engineer to join their established team in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA . This is a critical on-site role focused on the conceptualization and detailed design of new petrochemical plants and modifications to existing facilities. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing process schemes, equipment specifications, and process control strategies to ensure safe, efficient, and environmentally sound operations. This position requires a thorough understanding of petrochemical processes, including refining, synthesis, and separation technologies. The engineer will work closely with project managers, other engineering disciplines, and operational staff to deliver robust and cost-effective process designs. We are looking for a technically astute individual with a strong analytical mindset and a commitment to excellence in engineering design. This role offers a fantastic opportunity to contribute to significant projects within a well-respected organization in the heart of South Africa's industrial hub.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop process flow diagrams (PFDs) and heat and material balances for new process units and modifications.
• Prepare detailed piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs) and process control philosophies.
• Perform process simulations and hydraulic calculations using industry-standard software.
• Specify major process equipment, including reactors, columns, heat exchangers, and pumps.
• Conduct process hazard analyses (PHAs), including HAZOP studies, and ensure safety recommendations are implemented.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams (mechanical, electrical, civil) during project execution.
• Provide technical support during the construction, commissioning, and start-up phases of projects.
• Evaluate and recommend new process technologies to enhance efficiency and sustainability.
• Develop cost estimates and technical justifications for proposed process designs.
• Ensure all designs comply with company standards, national regulations, and international codes.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process design engineering, specifically within the petrochemical or oil and gas industry.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS) and simulation techniques.
• Solid understanding of unit operations common in petrochemical processing.
• Experience in conducting and participating in HAZOP studies.
• Knowledge of relevant industry codes and standards (e.g., API, ASME).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills for effective on-site collaboration.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet project deadlines.
• Registered or eligible for registration with ECSA (Engineering Council of South Africa).

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, reflecting the demands and responsibilities of the role.
• Employees are provided with a comprehensive health insurance plan, including medical and dental coverage.
• Retirement savings benefits are also part of the package.
• The company provides opportunities for professional development and continuous training.
• On-site parking and access to company facilities are available.
• This position is based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA , offering the chance to work within a vibrant industrial environment and contribute to significant projects in the region.
• Our client values employee contributions and fosters a culture of safety and operational excellence.