Process Engineer - Chemical Manufacturing

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 represents a leading chemical manufacturer in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, seeking an accomplished Process Engineer. The role focuses on design, optimization, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement within a hybrid on-site/remote setup.

The candidate should have a strong chemical engineering background, minimum 5 years of process engineering experience in chemicals, and proficiency with Aspen Plus or HYSYS, P&ID development, and process safety management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering required.
• Minimum 5 years of process engineering experience in chemical manufacturing.
• Experience with Aspen Plus or HYSYS and P&ID development.
• Strong data analysis, troubleshooting, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize chemical processes to meet targets, quality standards, and safety regulations.
• Monitor process performance using P&IDs, control systems, and data analysis; troubleshoot deviations and implement corrective actions.
• Conduct feasibility studies and pilot plant trials for new processes and product modifications.
• Develop and implement process safety management (PSM) protocols and ensure compliance.
• Collaborate with R&D, production, and maintenance teams to enable technology transfer and scale-up.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement, cost reduction, and energy efficiency.
• Prepare technical reports, operating procedures, and process documentation.
• Support commissioning and start-up of new equipment and process units.
• Provide technical guidance and training to operations personnel.
• Stay current with industry best practices, new technologies, and regulatory changes in chemical manufacturing.

Skills

Process design

Troubleshooting

Data analysis

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

P&ID development

DCS/PLC instrumentation

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant player in the chemical manufacturing sector located in **Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal**, is seeking an accomplished Process Engineer to join their operations. This role is central to ensuring the efficiency, safety, and quality of our client's chemical production processes. The successful candidate will be responsible for process design, optimization, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives within a complex industrial environment. This position involves a **Hybrid** work model, offering a blend of on-site engagement in **Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal** and remote flexibility. You will have the opportunity to work with advanced technologies and contribute to the sustainable production of essential chemical products. This role demands a strong understanding of chemical engineering principles and a commitment to operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize chemical processes to meet production targets, quality standards, and safety regulations.
• Monitor process performance using P&IDs, control systems, and data analysis; troubleshoot deviations and implement corrective actions.
• Conduct feasibility studies and pilot plant trials for new processes and product modifications.
• Develop and implement process safety management (PSM) protocols and ensure compliance.
• Collaborate with R&D, production, and maintenance teams to facilitate seamless technology transfer and scale-up.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement, cost reduction, and energy efficiency.
• Prepare technical reports, operating procedures, and process documentation.
• Support the commissioning and start-up of new equipment and process units.
• Provide technical guidance and training to operations personnel.
• Stay current with industry best practices, new technologies, and regulatory changes affecting chemical manufacturing.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in process engineering within the chemical manufacturing industry.
• Strong knowledge of chemical reaction engineering, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and separation processes.
• Experience with process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS) and P&ID development.
• Familiarity with Process Safety Management (PSM) principles and HAZOP studies.
• Proven ability to analyze data, troubleshoot complex issues, and implement effective solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment and manage project tasks.
• Experience with control systems (DCS/PLC) and instrumentation is a plus.
• Must be willing to work a **Hybrid** schedule, with regular on-site presence in **Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal**.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Performance-related bonus structure.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement plan.
• Opportunities for advanced training and professional development.
• Exposure to cutting-edge chemical manufacturing technologies.
• A collaborative and safety-focused work environment.
• Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates outside **Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal**.
• Generous annual leave allowance.