Process Engineer - Petrochemical Specialist

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary bonus scheme

Medical & retirement benefits

Training & certs

Industrial exposure

Nelspruit operations

Job summary

Placements24 in Nelspruit (Mpumalanga) seeks an experienced Process Engineer specializing in petrochemicals to ensure safe, efficient and reliable plant operations on site.

You will lead process design, troubleshoot upsets, debottleneck, and drive continuous improvement across distillation, cracking and reforming units, collaborating with operations and maintenance teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• 7+ years of process engineering experience in petrochemicals.
• Strong knowledge of refinery processes, safety principles and regulations.
• Experience with process simulation software and data analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and optimize petrochemical processing units (distillation, cracking, reforming).
• Troubleshoot process upsets and implement corrective actions.
• Conduct PHAs and develop safety procedures for unit operations.
• Design modifications and upgrades to process equipment.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance and management to meet production targets.
• Develop and maintain process documentation (PFDs, P&IDs, manuals).

Skills

Problem solving

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process simulation software

Data analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced Process Engineer with a specialization in petrochemicals to join their established operations in Nelspruit . This role is critical for ensuring the safe, efficient, and optimal performance of petrochemical processing units. You will be responsible for process design, troubleshooting, debottlenecking, and continuous improvement initiatives within the plant. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of hydrocarbon processing, refinery operations, and related safety protocols. This is an on-site position requiring hands‑on engagement with plant operations in the Mpumalanga region, contributing directly to the company's core business.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze and optimize the performance of petrochemical processing units, including distillation, cracking, and reforming.
• Troubleshoot process upsets and implement corrective actions to minimize downtime and maximize yield.
• Conduct process hazard analyses (PHAs) and develop safety procedures for unit operations.
• Design modifications and upgrades to existing process equipment and systems.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and management teams to achieve production targets.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, including PFDs, P&IDs, and operating manuals.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering .
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in process engineering, with a significant focus on the petrochemical industry.
• In-depth knowledge of refinery processes and equipment.
• Experience with process simulation software and data analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of process safety principles and regulations.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills.

Benefits

• Attractive salary and performance bonus scheme.
• Comprehensive medical aid, life insurance, and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for specialized training and professional certifications in petrochemical engineering.
• Exposure to large-scale industrial operations and cutting‑edge technologies.
• Be an integral part of the operational success in Nelspruit .