Process Engineer - Industrial Chemicals

Placements24; Richards Bay; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical benefits

Retirement fund contributions

Professional development opportunities

On-site amenities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Process Engineer for its Richards Bay-based client to lead safe, efficient production and process optimization.

You will analyze operations, implement modifications, perform PHAs, and collaborate with maintenance and R&D to scale from lab to pilot to full production. The role requires a chemical engineering degree and 5+ years in process engineering within a chemical plant environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience with process safety practices and hazard analyses.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and optimize plant operations for efficiency and yield.
• Implement process modifications to reduce waste and improve quality.
• Conduct PHAs and enforce safety measures.
• Troubleshoot plant issues to minimize downtime.
• Participate in design and 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 optimum performance.
• Support R&D in scaling processes from lab to pilot to full production.
• Train operators and technicians on new procedures.

Skills

Process simulation

PSM & HAZOP

Analytical skills

MS Office

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

ChemCAD

Aspen HYSYS

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.
• We believe in investing in our employees' growth and providing a platform for them to excel.