Process Engineer - Specializing in Petrochemicals

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Performance-based bonus

Professional development

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Process Engineer for its Pietermaritzburg site to optimize chemical production, improve efficiency, safety and sustainability. You will design and simulate processes, troubleshoot issues, and work with operations, maintenance and R&D to drive performance.

Ideal candidates hold a Chemical Engineering degree with 5+ years’ experience, hands-on Aspen HYSYS or PRO/II, and a solid grasp of unit operations, thermodynamics, and P&ID interpretation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of 5 years of process engineering experience in petrochemicals or related field.
• Experience with process simulation software such as Aspen HYSYS or PRO/II.
• Strong understanding of unit operations, thermodynamics and fluid dynamics.
• Experience with P&ID development and interpretation.
• Knowledge of safety and environmental regulations in the chemical industry.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize chemical processes to improve efficiency, yield, and product quality.
• Conduct feasibility studies and process simulations to evaluate new technologies and plant modifications.
• Troubleshoot operational issues, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, including P&IDs, PFDs, and operating procedures.
• Ensure all processes comply with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support plant operations and capital projects.
• Monitor process performance, identify areas for improvement, and implement corrective actions.
• Participate in HAZOP studies and other safety reviews.
• Provide technical support and guidance to operations and maintenance personnel.
• Stay abreast of new technologies and best practices in chemical process engineering.

Skills

Analytical skills

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen HYSYS

PRO/II

Job description

Our client, a dynamic player in the chemical manufacturing sector, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Process Engineer to join their growing team in Pietermaritzburg . This role is integral to optimizing our client's production processes, ensuring efficiency, safety, and sustainability. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in chemical engineering principles and a proven track record in process design, simulation, and troubleshooting. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to significant projects and drive innovation within a leading industrial facility. We are looking for an individual who is adept at problem-solving and possesses excellent analytical skills to tackle complex engineering challenges. The role will involve close collaboration with production, maintenance, and R&D teams to achieve operational excellence. Your expertise will be crucial in enhancing plant performance and ensuring compliance with all relevant industry standards and environmental regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize chemical processes to improve efficiency, yield, and product quality.
• Conduct feasibility studies and process simulations to evaluate new technologies and plant modifications.
• Troubleshoot operational issues, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, including P&IDs, PFDs, and operating procedures.
• Ensure all processes comply with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support plant operations and capital projects.
• Monitor process performance, identify areas for improvement, and implement corrective actions.
• Participate in HAZOP studies and other safety reviews.
• Provide technical support and guidance to operations and maintenance personnel.
• Stay abreast of new technologies and best practices in chemical process engineering.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant industry experience in process engineering, preferably within petrochemicals or a related field.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen HYSYS, PRO/II).
• Strong understanding of unit operations, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics.
• Experience with P&ID development and interpretation.
• Knowledge of safety standards and environmental regulations in the chemical industry.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience with project management principles is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits program. This includes medical aid, a provident fund, performance-based bonuses, and opportunities for professional development and advancement within the organization. Employees will also benefit from a dynamic and supportive work environment. The role is based in Pietermaritzburg , providing a stable base for career growth. We are committed to fostering a culture of continuous learning and encourage our engineers to attend industry conferences and training sessions. Relocation assistance may be available for highly qualified candidates outside the immediate area.