Process Optimization Engineer - Petrochemical Sector

Placements24; East London; On-site; ZAR 1,100,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Annual bonus

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Process Optimization Engineer for our East London, South Africa location. You will analyze process data, identify bottlenecks, and implement data-driven improvements to enhance yields, energy efficiency, and waste reduction.

You will develop APC strategies, model operations with Aspen Plus/HYSYS/UniSim, and mentor junior engineers while ensuring safety and environmental compliance.

Qualifications

• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering.
• 7+ years of experience in process engineering within petrochemical or oil & gas, focusing on process optimization.
• Proven ability to analyze complex process data and implement data-driven improvements.
• Expertise with process simulation and modeling tools (Aspen Plus, HYSYS, UniSim).
• Knowledge of advanced process control (APC) strategies and implementation.
• Familiarity with petrochemical unit operations and their interdependencies.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and quantitative skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.

Responsibilities

• Analyze process data from petrochemical units to identify performance opportunities.
• Develop and implement advanced process control strategies to improve stability and efficiency.
• Use process simulation software to model and optimize plant operations.
• Conduct root cause analysis for inefficiencies, equipment failures, and quality deviations.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams to implement modifications and improvements.
• Monitor KPIs and report on process performance trends.
• Develop and execute plant trials to test optimization strategies.
• Ensure optimization activities comply with safety, environmental, and operational standards.
• Stay current with advancements in process optimization and petrochemical engineering.
• Mentor junior engineers on analysis and optimization techniques.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Process optimization

Data analysis

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

UniSim

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant entity within the petrochemical industry, is seeking a results-oriented Process Optimization Engineer to join their operational team in East London . This role is critical for enhancing the efficiency, reliability, and profitability of existing petrochemical processes. You will be responsible for analyzing process data, identifying bottlenecks, and implementing data-driven solutions to improve yields, reduce energy consumption, and minimize waste. The ideal candidate will possess a strong analytical skillset, deep knowledge of petrochemical unit operations, and proven experience in applying optimization techniques and process modeling. This is a key position within the Eastern Cape, contributing to the operational excellence of a major industrial player.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze process data from various petrochemical units (e.g., distillation, cracking, reforming) to identify opportunities for performance improvement.
• Develop and implement advanced process control (APC) strategies to enhance stability and efficiency.
• Utilize process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS) to model and optimize plant operations.
• Conduct root cause analysis for process inefficiencies, equipment failures, and quality deviations.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams to implement process modifications and improvements.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and report on process performance trends.
• Develop and execute plant trials to test and validate optimization strategies.
• Ensure all optimization activities are conducted in compliance with safety, environmental, and operational standards.
• Stay current with technological advancements in process optimization and petrochemical engineering.
• Mentor junior engineers on process analysis and optimization techniques.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in process engineering within the petrochemical or oil and gas industry, with a strong focus on process optimization.
• Proven experience in analyzing complex process data and implementing data-driven improvements.
• Expertise in process simulation and modeling tools (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS, UniSim).
• Knowledge of advanced process control (APC) strategies and implementation.
• Familiarity with petrochemical unit operations and their interdependencies.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and quantitative skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Experience with statistical analysis and Design of Experiments (DOE) is a plus.
• Understanding of process safety management principles.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, annual bonus, and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid, retirement fund contributions, and opportunities for professional development. This role is based in East London , providing a significant career opportunity within the petrochemical sector. Join a leading company committed to operational excellence and innovation, contributing to the strategic goals of the organization.