Process Engineer - Specialty Chemicals

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Presencial; ZAR 900.000 - 1.200.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Salary commensurate with experience

Medical aid and retirement fund

Annual performance bonus

Training and development

Descripción de la vacante

Placements24 is seeking a Process Engineer for our client in Paarl, Western Cape, a leader in specialty chemicals. The role focuses on process monitoring, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement to ensure safety, yield, and efficiency.

You will work with operators, maintenance, and lab personnel to uphold high production standards while driving optimization and compliance across processes. The ideal candidate has 3–5 years of relevant experience and a Chemistry‑focused engineering background.

Formación

• B.Eng. or B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering is required.
• 3–5 years of experience in process engineering, preferably in specialty or fine chemicals.
• Proven experience in process monitoring, troubleshooting, and optimization.
• Solid understanding of unit operations, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics.
• Familiarity with process safety principles and risk assessment techniques.
• Experience with data analysis and process control systems.
• Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.

Responsabilidades

• Monitor and analyze plant process data to ensure efficient operation and identify improvements.
• Troubleshoot process deviations and equipment malfunctions, implementing corrective actions.
• Develop and implement process improvements to enhance yield, reduce waste, and lower operating costs.
• Participate in PHAs and ensure safety recommendations are implemented.
• Develop and update SOPs for chemical processes.
• Collaborate with maintenance on equipment reliability and preventive maintenance.
• Support commissioning and start‑up of new equipment and modifications.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations.
• Prepare technical reports and process documentation.
• Provide technical support and training to plant operators.

Conocimientos

Process monitoring

Troubleshooting

Process improvement

PHAs (hazard analyses)

SOP development

Data analysis

Process control systems

Team collaboration

Educación

B.Eng. in Chemical Engineering

B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering

Herramientas

SCADA/Process control

Data analysis software

Descripción del empleo

About the Role

Our client, a recognized leader in the production of specialty chemicals, requires a skilled Process Engineer to join their manufacturing operations in **Paarl, Western Cape**. This role is crucial for ensuring the optimal performance, safety, and efficiency of their chemical production processes. The successful candidate will be responsible for monitoring process variables, troubleshooting operational issues, implementing process improvements, and ensuring compliance with all safety and environmental regulations. You will work closely with plant operators, maintenance teams, and laboratory personnel to maintain high production standards. We are looking for a proactive and analytical engineer who thrives in a hands‑on industrial environment. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a company known for its quality products and commitment to operational excellence. Your expertise will be key in driving continuous improvement initiatives and maintaining the integrity of our client's manufacturing processes in the **Paarl, Western Cape** area.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze plant process data to ensure efficient operation and identify areas for improvement.
• Troubleshoot process deviations and equipment malfunctions, implementing timely corrective actions.
• Develop and implement process improvements to enhance yield, reduce waste, and lower operating costs.
• Participate in process hazard analyses (PHAs) and ensure implementation of safety recommendations.
• Develop and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) for chemical processes.
• Collaborate with the maintenance team on equipment reliability and preventive maintenance programs.
• Support the commissioning and start-up of new equipment and process modifications.
• Ensure compliance with all environmental, health, and safety regulations.
• Prepare technical reports, process documentation, and performance analyses.
• Provide technical support and training to plant operators.

Requirements

• B.Eng. or B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering.
• 3-5 years of experience in process engineering, preferably in the specialty chemicals or fine chemicals industry.
• Proven experience in process monitoring, troubleshooting, and optimization.
• Solid understanding of chemical unit operations, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics.
• Familiarity with process safety principles and risk assessment techniques.
• Experience with data analysis and process control systems.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a manufacturing environment.
• Proximity to or willingness to relocate to **Paarl, Western Cape**.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund.
• Annual performance bonus.
• On-the-job training and opportunities for professional development.
• Safe and supportive working environment.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Company-provided uniforms and safety gear.
• Access to modern production facilities.
• Career growth opportunities within a stable industry.
• Contribution to the production of high-quality specialty chemicals.