Process Engineer - Chemical Plant Operations

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site training

Career progression

Medical coverage

Retirement savings

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a dedicated Process Engineer for their Durban manufacturing facility. The role focuses on maintaining and enhancing the efficiency, safety, and output of chemical production lines, working with operators and maintenance staff to resolve issues and implement continuous improvements.

The ideal candidate will hold a Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering with 3–5 years of relevant experience, be familiar with DCS/PLC systems, and have a practical problem-solving approach in a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or equivalent.
• 3–5 years of process engineering experience in chemical or process manufacturing.
• Familiar with DCS/PLC and data logging.
• Knowledge of unit operations such as distillation, reaction, separation, and heat transfer.
• Understanding of HAZOP and risk assessments; strong troubleshooting under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Monitor plant operations and analyze process data for optimal performance.
• Develop and implement process modifications to improve efficiency and quality.
• Conduct root cause analyses and implement solutions.
• Collaborate with safety teams to ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Support commissioning and start-up of new equipment or process changes.
• Provide technical support and training to operators and junior engineers.

Skills

Chemical Engineering

DCS/PLC

Process safety

Troubleshooting

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

DCS/PLC systems

Data logging

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dedicated Process Engineer to join their operational team at their manufacturing facility in Durban . This role is crucial for maintaining and enhancing the efficiency, safety, and output of our chemical production lines. You will be responsible for the day-to-day performance of the plant's chemical processes, working closely with operators and maintenance staff to resolve issues and implement continuous improvements. The successful candidate will possess a strong foundation in chemical engineering principles and a practical approach to problem-solving in a demanding industrial environment, contributing to the plant's overall success and upholding the company's high standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor plant operations, analyzing process data to ensure optimal performance and identify potential issues.
• Develop and implement process modifications to increase production efficiency, improve product quality, and reduce waste.
• Conduct root cause analyses for equipment malfunctions and process upsets, recommending and implementing solutions.
• Collaborate with the safety team to ensure all operational activities comply with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Assist in the commissioning and start-up of new equipment or process changes.
• Provide technical support and training to plant operators and junior engineers.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or equivalent qualification.
• 3-5 years of experience in a process engineering role within a chemical or process manufacturing plant.
• Familiarity with process control systems (DCS/PLC) and data logging.
• Understanding of unit operations such as distillation, reaction, separation, and heat transfer.
• Knowledge of safety procedures, including HAZOP and risk assessments.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to work effectively under pressure.

Benefits

• Attractive salary package with annual performance reviews.
• Comprehensive medical coverage and retirement savings plan.
• On-site training and opportunities for career progression within the company.
• A stable, hands-on role within a key industrial facility.
• Supportive team environment focused on operational excellence.