Process Engineer - Chemical Manufacturing

Placements24; Klerksdorp; Hybrid; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health and retirement benefits

Professional development

Training & upskilling

Work‑life balance

Performance incentives

Generous annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Process Engineer for a leading chemical manufacturer in Klerksdorp, North West. The role focuses on designing, optimizing and troubleshooting chemical processes to improve safety, efficiency and compliance.

You will collaborate with R&D, production and maintenance to scale processes from lab to plant. The ideal candidate holds a BEng in Chemical Engineering with 5+ years of industry experience, strong knowledge of reaction engineering and process simulation

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• Master’s degree is a plus.
• Minimum 5 years of experience as a Process Engineer in chemical manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of reaction engineering, thermodynamics and mass transfer.
• Experience with process simulation software and process control systems.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop and optimize chemical processes to improve efficiency and product quality.
• Conduct PHAs and implement safety measures.
• Develop and maintain PFDs and P&IDs.
• Troubleshoot operations and implement solutions.
• Perform root cause analysis for deviations and implement corrective actions.
• Develop and implement process control strategies for stable operations.
• Collaborate with R&D to scale up from lab to plant.
• Monitor KPIs and drive continuous improvements.
• Ensure environmental, health and safety regulatory compliance.
• Prepare technical reports and present findings to management.

Skills

Process design

Process optimization

PHAs

PFDs & P&IDs

Root cause analysis

Process control

Cross-functional collaboration

KPIs

Safety & compliance

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering

Master’s degree (advantage)

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

DCS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in the chemical manufacturing sector, is seeking a highly skilled and analytical Process Engineer to join their team in Klerksdorp, North West . This role is integral to optimizing our manufacturing processes, ensuring efficiency, safety, and compliance. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing, implementing, and troubleshooting chemical processes, as well as driving continuous improvement initiatives. This position requires a strong understanding of chemical engineering principles, experience with process simulation and control, and a passion for innovation. You will work collaboratively with R&D, production, and maintenance teams to enhance product quality and operational performance. The role demands a meticulous approach to problem-solving and a commitment to sustainable and safe manufacturing practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize chemical manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, yield, and product quality.
• Conduct process hazard analyses (PHAs) and implement safety measures.
• Develop and maintain process flow diagrams (PFDs) and piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs).
• Troubleshoot operational issues and implement effective solutions.
• Perform root cause analysis for process deviations and implement corrective actions.
• Develop and implement process control strategies to ensure stable and efficient operations.
• Collaborate with R&D on scaling up new products and processes from lab to plant scale.
• Monitor key process performance indicators (KPIs) and recommend improvements.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant environmental, health, and safety regulations.
• Prepare technical reports and present findings to management and cross-functional teams.
• Stay abreast of new technologies and best practices in chemical engineering.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field.
• A Master's degree is an advantage.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Process Engineer in a chemical manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of chemical reaction engineering, thermodynamics, and mass transfer.
• Experience with process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS) and process control systems (DCS).
• Proficiency in root cause analysis techniques (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Strong understanding of safety regulations and environmental compliance in the chemical industry.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies is a plus.
• Must be willing to work in Klerksdorp, North West , with potential for hybrid work arrangements.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health and retirement benefits, and opportunities for professional development and advanced training. This role provides a challenging and rewarding environment where you can contribute to cutting‑edge chemical manufacturing processes. Employees benefit from a stimulating work culture, excellent work‑life balance initiatives, and the chance to work with a team of industry experts. Additional benefits include performance incentives and generous annual leave.