Process Development Engineer - Petrochemicals

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual incentives

Medical aid

Retirement fund

International training

State-of-the-art lab access

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Process Development Engineer specialized in petrochemicals to join a Cape Town facility. You will drive development and optimization of petrochemical processes, focusing on yield, efficiency, and sustainability, with hands-on troubleshooting and R&D collaboration.

The role involves piloting studies, scale-up analyses, documenting procedures, and collaborating with operations, maintenance and safety teams to ensure compliant, safe, and innovative plant performance.

Qualifications

• Degree in Chemical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in process engineering within petrochemicals.
• Demonstrated experience with process modeling tools such as PRO/II and gPROMS.
• In-depth knowledge of hydrocarbon processing, catalysis and separations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills for cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and optimization of petrochemical processes to maximize yield and minimize waste.
• Conduct pilot studies and scale-up analyses to validate new technologies.
• Troubleshoot plant issues and implement corrective actions to maintain stability.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance and R&D teams for smooth integration.
• Develop process documentation including P&IDs, PFDs and SOPs.
• Monitor performance metrics and report on efficiency, safety and environmental compliance.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Chemical Engineering degree

Tools

PRO/II

gPROMS

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dedicated Process Development Engineer specializing in Petrochemicals to join their esteemed facility in Cape Town. This role is critical for advancing and optimizing the petrochemical production lines, focusing on efficiency, sustainability, and yield improvement. You will engage in hands-on process troubleshooting, R&D collaboration, and the implementation of innovative engineering solutions. This is an exciting opportunity for a proactive engineer to make a significant impact in a key industrial sector, contributing to operational excellence and technological advancement within a company that values expertise and forward-thinking approaches.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and optimization of petrochemical processes, focusing on maximizing product yield and minimizing waste.
• Conduct pilot plant studies and scale-up analysis to validate and implement new process technologies.
• Troubleshoot operational issues, identify root causes, and implement effective corrective actions to maintain process stability.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and R&D teams to ensure seamless integration of process improvements.
• Develop process documentation, including P&IDs, PFDs, operating procedures, and safety guidelines.
• Monitor process performance metrics and provide regular reports on efficiency, safety, and environmental compliance.

Requirements

• Degree in Chemical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in process engineering within the petrochemical or related chemical industry.
• Demonstrated experience in process modeling and simulation tools (e.g., PRO/II, gPROMS).
• In-depth knowledge of hydrocarbon processing, catalysis, and separation technologies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with a keen eye for detail and process improvement opportunities.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, essential for collaborating with diverse teams.

Benefits

• Attractive salary package with annual performance incentives.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits, including medical aid and retirement fund.
• Opportunities for international training and professional growth in advanced petrochemical technologies.
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory and pilot plant facilities.
• A culture that promotes safety, sustainability, and continuous learning.