Process Engineer - Specialty Chemicals: Optimize Yield & Safety

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary commensurate with experience

Medical aid and retirement fund

Annual performance bonus

Training and development

Job summary

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.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Process monitoring

Troubleshooting

Process improvement

PHAs (hazard analyses)

SOP development

Data analysis

Process control systems

Team collaboration

Education

B.Eng. in Chemical Engineering

B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering

Tools

SCADA/Process control

Data analysis software

Job description

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.