Process Engineer - Petrochemical and Gas

Placements24; Kempton Park; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Process Engineer for our client in Gauteng to optimize petrochemical operations. You will monitor plant performance, troubleshoot issues, and drive continuous improvement across unit operations, safety, and reliability.

A strong chemical engineering foundation and hands-on experience with process simulation are essential. The role collaborates with operations, maintenance, and projects to deliver debottlenecking, new-unit start-ups, and documentation such as

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience as a Process Engineer in petrochemical/oil & gas/chemical processing.
• Strong understanding of unit operations, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and mass transfer.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze process performance data to identify optimization opportunities.
• Troubleshoot process upsets and deviations, implementing effective solutions.
• Develop and update process operating manuals, P&IDs, and related documentation.
• Conduct process safety reviews, including HAZOP studies, and ensure safety compliance.
• Collaborate with operations and maintenance to ensure smooth plant operation and minimize downtime.
• Participate in design and implementation of process modifications and debottlenecking projects.
• Utilize process simulation software for modeling and analysis.
• Evaluate new technologies and equipment for potential implementation.
• Support commissioning and start-up of new units or modifications.
• Provide technical training and support to plant operators and technicians.

Skills

Process optimization

Process simulation

Troubleshooting

Data analysis

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen HYSYS

PRO/II

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the downstream oil and gas industry, is seeking a highly motivated Process Engineer to join their operational hub in Tembisa, Gauteng. This role is central to optimizing and ensuring the efficiency, safety, and reliability of our client's complex petrochemical processes. You will be involved in the day-to-day monitoring of plant operations, troubleshooting operational issues, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in chemical engineering principles, coupled with practical experience in process simulation, design, and optimization within an industrial setting. This position offers a challenging yet rewarding career path, contributing directly to the performance and sustainability of critical energy infrastructure in the region. You will work closely with operations, maintenance, and project teams to achieve operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze process performance data to identify opportunities for optimization and efficiency improvements.
• Troubleshoot process upsets and deviations, developing and implementing effective solutions.
• Develop and update process operating manuals, P&IDs, and other relevant documentation.
• Conduct process safety reviews, including HAZOP studies, and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
• Collaborate with the operations and maintenance teams to ensure smooth plant operation and minimize downtime.
• Participate in the design and implementation of process modifications and debottlenecking projects.
• Utilize process simulation software (e.g., Aspen HYSYS, PRO/II) for modeling and analysis.
• Evaluate new technologies and equipment for potential implementation.
• Support the commissioning and start-up of new units or modifications.
• Provide technical training and support to plant operators and technicians.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Process Engineer in the petrochemical, oil & gas, or chemical processing industry.
• Strong understanding of unit operations, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and mass