Process Engineer - Petrochemical

Placements24; Richards Bay; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Provident fund

Performance-based bonuses

CPD opportunities

Safe and supportive work environment

Job summary

Placements24 client in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, SA, seeks a skilled Process Engineer to optimize and troubleshoot chemical processes on-site. You will lead efforts to improve yield, reduce costs, and ensure safety and environmental compliance in a demanding petrochemical environment.

The role requires a degree in chemical engineering, at least 5 years of experience, and hands-on use of Aspen HYSYS or ChemCAD, plus familiarity with PSM and HAZOP.

Qualifications

• Degree in Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's or Master's).
• Minimum 5 years' process engineering experience in petrochemical or chemical manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of thermodynamics and fluid mechanics.
• Experience with process simulation software (Aspen HYSYS, ChemCAD).
• Familiarity with process safety management and HAZOP.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and optimize existing chemical processes to improve yield, efficiency, and product quality.
• Develop process designs for new plants or modifications to existing facilities.
• Conduct process simulations and modeling using industry-standard software.
• Troubleshoot process upsets and implement corrective actions to minimize downtime.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant environmental, health, and safety regulations.
• Participate in Process Hazard Analyses (PHA) and HAZOP studies.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and project teams to support plant activities.
• Develop and update operating procedures and technical documentation.
• Monitor key process variables and performance indicators.
• Identify and evaluate opportunities for technology upgrades and process improvements.

Skills

Chemical engineering

Thermodynamics

Fluid mechanics

Process optimization

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen HYSYS

ChemCAD

HAZOP methods

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the petrochemical industry, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Process Engineer to join their operations based in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA. This is a critical on-site role responsible for optimizing and troubleshooting complex chemical processes to ensure safe, efficient, and environmentally compliant production. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in chemical engineering principles, process simulation, and plant operations. You will play a key role in improving process performance, reducing operating costs, and implementing new technologies. This position requires hands-on involvement with plant operations and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality in a demanding industrial environment. We are looking for a dedicated professional who thrives in a plant setting and is passionate about chemical process optimization.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze and optimize existing chemical processes to improve yield, efficiency, and product quality.
• Develop process designs for new plants or modifications to existing facilities.
• Conduct process simulations and modeling using industry-standard software.
• Troubleshoot process upsets and implement corrective actions to minimize downtime.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant environmental, health, and safety regulations.
• Participate in Process Hazard Analyses (PHA) and HAZOP studies.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and project teams to support plant activities.
• Develop and update operating procedures and technical documentation.
• Monitor key process variables and performance indicators.
• Identify and evaluate opportunities for technology upgrades and process improvements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process engineering within the petrochemical or chemical manufacturing industry.
• Strong knowledge of chemical process principles, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics.
• Experience with process simulation software (e.g., Aspen HYSYS, ChemCAD).
• Familiarity with process safety management (PSM) and HAZOP methodologies.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a plant environment and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of process control systems and instrumentation is a plus.
• Registered Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) or eligibility for registration is advantageous.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Medical aid
• Provident fund
• Performance-based bonuses
• Continuous professional development and training opportunities
• Safe and supportive work environment

You will be part of a highly skilled team contributing to critical industrial processes in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA.