Process Engineer - Specialty Chemicals Manufacturing

Placements24; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 720,000 - 960,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Pension fund contributions

Paid annual & sick leave

On-the-job training & skill dev.

Stable and supportive work environment

Employee assistance program

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Process Engineer for our client in Paarl, Western Cape. You will optimize chemical manufacturing processes, improve yield, and ensure safety and quality across production lines.

The role requires a BEng or BSc in Chemical Engineering with 3–5 years of experience, strong analytical skills, and proficiency in process simulation and MS Office. Teamwork and effective communication are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) or BSc in Chemical Engineering.
• 3–5 years of experience in chemical manufacturing or process engineering.
• Familiarity with process simulation software.
• Strong understanding of chemical reaction principles, unit operations, and process control.
• Experience troubleshooting manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of chemical plant safety regulations and best practices.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a team and under pressure.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze plant process performance to identify areas for improvement.
• Develop and implement process optimization strategies to increase yield and reduce costs.
• Troubleshoot process deviations and equipment malfunctions, implementing corrective actions.
• Participate in PHAs and safety reviews.
• Develop and update SOPs and process documentation.
• Assist in designing and implementing process modifications and capital projects.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations.
• Support production teams in achieving operational targets.
• Collaborate with R&D on process scale-up and new product introductions.
• Maintain process data logs and generate performance reports.

Skills

Process engineering

Troubleshooting

Analytical skills

Communication

Teamwork

MS Office

Education

BEng or BSc in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a respected manufacturer of high-performance specialty chemicals, is seeking a dedicated Process Engineer to join their production team in Paarl, Western Cape . This role is crucial for maintaining and improving the efficiency, safety, and quality of chemical manufacturing processes. The successful candidate will be involved in process optimization, troubleshooting, yield improvement initiatives, and ensuring compliance with stringent industry standards. You will work closely with production operators, quality control, and maintenance teams to ensure smooth and efficient plant operations. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated engineer to contribute directly to the success of a well-established chemical manufacturing company in a beautiful region.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze plant process performance to identify areas for improvement.
• Develop and implement process optimization strategies to increase yield, reduce costs, and enhance product quality.
• Troubleshoot process deviations and equipment malfunctions, implementing corrective actions.
• Participate in process hazard analyses (PHAs) and safety reviews.
• Develop and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) and process documentation.
• Assist in the design and implementation of process modifications and capital improvement projects.
• Ensure compliance with all environmental, health, and safety regulations.
• Support production teams in achieving operational targets.
• Collaborate with the R&D department on process scale-up and new product introductions.
• Maintain process data logs and generate performance reports.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) or BSc in Chemical Engineering.
• 3-5 years of experience in a chemical manufacturing or process engineering role.
• Familiarity with process simulation software is an advantage.
• Strong understanding of chemical reaction principles, unit operations, and process control.
• Experience with troubleshooting manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of safety regulations and best practices in chemical plants.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and under pressure.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Benefits

• Competitive starting salary with regular performance reviews.
• Company-sponsored medical insurance plan.
• Contribution to a pension fund.
• Paid annual leave and sick leave.
• Opportunities for on-the-job training and skill development.
• A stable and supportive work environment in Paarl, Western Cape .
• Employee assistance program.
• Potential for career advancement within the company.