Process Engineer

Foskor; KwaZulu-Natal; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 850 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading chemical processing company in KwaZulu-Natal is seeking a skilled engineer to support process monitoring and optimization in its plants. The ideal candidate will hold a BSc or B Tech in Chemical Engineering with at least 5 years of post-qualification plant experience. Responsibilities include daily operational data evaluation, project management, and collaboration with various departments to enhance performance. A proactive approach and strong leadership qualities are essential for this role.

Qualifications

• 5 years or more post qualification Plant experience in chemical development projects.
• Experience in chemical plant process audit.
• Proven problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Strong understanding of cost/benefit analysis.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate plant operational data daily.
• Coordinate process shutdown functions and maintenance work.
• Manage all process projects for the plant.
• Prepare morning report on plant performance.

Skills

Leadership and management qualities

Problem solving

Communication

Teamwork

Education

BSc Chemical Engineering / B Tech Chemical Engineering

Tools

Foskor maintenance system

DCS

Visio

JDE/SAP

Microsoft Word

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Purpose of the job:

To support Foskor Process Plants with Process monitoring and optimisation.

Qualifications & Experience Required:

Minimum Requirements

• BSc Chemical Engineering / B Tech Chemical Engineering (Mandatory)
• 5 Years or more post qualification Plant experience in chemical development projects and line management.
• Leadership and management qualities
• Knowledge of the production environment and plant design
• Proven track record in problem solving and decision making and exceeding objectives and delivering results.
• Experience in chemical plant process audit.
• Proven track record in water balance, mass balance and metal accounting recoveries/efficiencies.

Ideal Requirements

• Post Graduate Management qualification.
• Computer literate on Foskor maintenance system, DCS, Visio, JDE/SAP, Microsoft Word, MS PowerPoint and Microsoft Excel.
• Anticipate problems and adjust accordingly.
• Strong understanding of cost/benefit economic analysis and budgeting.
• Ability to generate new ideas from within self and from others.
• Can implement new and useful concepts effectively.
• Excellent communication with all levels of the organization and across different groups.
• Can make timely, effective decisions consistent with business plans and departmental goals; able to manage change and multiple priorities.
• Mutually defines requirements with internal/external customers.
• Organizes work effectively and uses available resources.
• Works and interacts effectively as a team member and acts as mentor to others.

Headline key result area:

• Evaluate plant operational data daily. Consolidate results weekly
• Co-ordinate and advice on process shutdown functions and give advice on maintenance work where required.
• Evaluate and advice on material usage variances.
• Do routine standby.
• Coordination of all resources
• Lead Hazop studies, RCAs and MOC process.
• Coordinate inspections and audits of the plant.
• Co-ordinate and plan improvement projects to optimise plant performance.
• Manage all process projects for plant, including outside contractors working on these projects.
• Continually strive to improve plant, including safety, health and environmental aspects.
• Communicate with buyers regarding ordering tools and labour.
• Communicate internally with production/maintenance and other departments thus ensuring efficient, effective operations.
• Effective communication and co-operation with other parties to ensure that production requirements are fully understood and met.
• Carry out all practical training.
• Proactive approach to training.
• Prepare morning report on plant performance, checking all downtime data provided by supervisors.
• Attend production meetings and report on process performance and manage deviations.
• Do analysis of historical downtime for problem identification purposes.
• Strong engineering skills. The demonstrated ability to be innovative and to apply technical skills to improve SHE and quality, reduce costs and increase equipment reliability/performance.
• Day-to-day interface with operations, laboratory, maintenance, and commercial team to help maintain, support, troubleshoot, and maximize the unit performance. This also includes preparation and support for unit shutdowns, turnarounds, and start-ups.
• Leads and supports financial performance tracking and optimization of cost structure for the assets.
• The ability to work with technology team and outside vendors to successfully develop and implement new technologies.
• Assist in the monitoring of unit performance variables and support benchmarking efforts.

Appointment will be in line with company policy on employment equity