Process Engineer - Industrial Chemicals

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Comprehensive medical benefits

Retirement fund contributions

Professional development opportunities

Wellness program

On-site amenities

Job summary

Placements24 in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, is seeking a Process Engineer to drive safe, efficient chemical production across the lifecycle from design to optimization. You will apply chemical engineering principles in a plant setting and collaborate with operations and maintenance teams.

The role emphasizes process safety, PHAs, and scale-up from lab to full production. A bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering and at least five years of industry experience are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering and at least 5 years in a process engineering role in chemical manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of reaction engineering, thermodynamics and fluid dynamics.
• Experience with process safety management and PHAs.

Responsibilities

• Monitor plant operations to identify process improvements and efficiency gains.
• Develop and implement modifications to enhance yield and product quality.
• Conduct PHAs and implement safety measures.
• Troubleshoot issues and minimize downtime.
• Participate in design/commissioning of new equipment and processes.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, health and safety regulations.
• Prepare technical reports and engineering documentation.
• Collaborate with maintenance and operations teams for optimal performance.
• Support scale-up from lab to pilot to full production.
• Train operators and technicians on new procedures.

Skills

Chemical engineering principles

Process optimization

Analytical thinking

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

ChemCAD

Aspen HYSYS

Microsoft Office

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent manufacturer of industrial chemicals, is seeking a diligent and innovative Process Engineer to join their operational hub in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal . This role is crucial for ensuring the safe, efficient, and cost-effective production of a wide range of chemical products. You will be involved in the entire lifecycle of our chemical processes, from design and development through to optimization and troubleshooting. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of chemical engineering principles and have a practical approach to problem-solving in a plant environment. This position offers the chance to work with state-of-the-art technology and contribute to a company committed to sustainability and operational excellence. We are looking for a proactive individual who can work collaboratively within a team of skilled professionals in the vibrant industrial landscape of Richards Bay.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze plant operations to identify areas for process improvement and efficiency gains.
• Develop and implement process modifications to enhance yield, reduce waste, and improve product quality.
• Conduct process hazard analyses (PHAs) and implement necessary safety measures.
• Troubleshoot operational issues and develop effective solutions to minimize downtime.
• Participate in the design and commissioning of new equipment and process modifications.
• Ensure compliance with all environmental, health, and safety regulations.
• Prepare technical reports, operational manuals, and engineering documentation.
• Collaborate with maintenance and operations teams to ensure optimal plant performance.
• Support R&D efforts by scaling up new processes from lab to pilot to full production.
• Train plant operators and technicians on new procedures and process improvements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in a process engineering role within the chemical manufacturing industry.
• Solid understanding of chemical reaction engineering, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics.
• Experience with process simulation software (e.g., ChemCAD, Aspen HYSYS).
• Familiarity with Process Safety Management (PSM) principles and HAZOP studies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a plant environment and handle multiple tasks.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience in the industrial chemicals sector is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Our client provides a competitive salary package, comprehensive medical benefits, and retirement fund contributions.
• Employees have access to ongoing professional development opportunities, including training courses and conferences.
• The company offers a supportive work environment, opportunities for career advancement, and the chance to work on impactful projects in Richards Bay.
• Additional benefits include a company-sponsored wellness program and on-site amenities.