Process Engineer - Petrochemical and Gas

Placements24; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Provident fund

Career development opportunities

Annual performance bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 in South Africa seeks a seasoned Process Engineer to optimize petrochemical operations in Tembisa, Gauteng. The role focuses on enhancing efficiency, safety, and reliability of complex processes while analyzing data and resolving plant issues.

The ideal candidate holds a BEng in Chemical Engineering with 5+ years in process engineering, and is proficient in Aspen HYSYS/Aspen Plus. Collaboration with operations, maintenance, and project teams is essential for success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or related discipline is required.
• Minimum 5 years as a Process Engineer in petrochemical/oil & gas.
• Strong grounding in unit operations, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and mass transfer.
• Proficiency with process simulation tools such as Aspen HYSYS/Aspen Plus.
• Experience in P&ID development and interpretation; knowledge of PSM and HAZOP.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze process performance to identify optimization opportunities.
• Troubleshoot process upsets and deviations; implement effective solutions.
• Develop and update process operating manuals and P&IDs.
• Conduct process safety reviews, including HAZOP studies; ensure safety compliance.
• Collaborate with operations and maintenance to minimize downtime and improve reliability.
• Participate in design and debottlenecking projects; support start-up of new units.

Skills

Process optimization

Data analysis

PSM knowledge

HAZOP familiarity

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen HYSYS

Aspen Plus

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 transfer.


• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen HYSYS, Aspen Plus).


• Experience with P&ID development and interpretation.


• Knowledge of process safety management (PSM) principles and HAZOP procedures.


• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a data-driven approach.


• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced operational environment.


• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.


• Familiarity with control systems and instrumentation is a plus.


• Must be based in or willing to relocate to the Tembisa, Gauteng area.

Benefits

• Our client provides a competitive salary package commensurate with experience, along with annual performance bonuses.


• Comprehensive benefits include private medical insurance, life insurance, and a substantial provident fund contribution.


• Opportunities for professional development, including advanced training courses and conference attendance, are actively encouraged.


• Employees are part of a strong safety culture and have access to state-of-the-art facilities.


• The role offers direct impact on operational efficiency and strategic goals within a stable and established industry.


• This is a permanent position offering long-term career prospects within the company.