Production Chemist - Refinery Operations

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 650,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Growth opportunities

Upington work environment

Job summary

Placements24 has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Production Chemist to join a refinery operations team in Upington. You will monitor and optimize chemical processes, conduct laboratory analyses, troubleshoot deviations, and collaborate with operations and engineering to maintain product quality and safety.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering and a minimum of 3 years' experience in refinery or petrochemical settings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience as a Process Chemist or similar role in refinery/petrochemical.
• Proficiency in analytical laboratory techniques and instrumentation.
• Strong understanding of hydrocarbon processing and refining operations.
• Knowledge of SHE regulations relevant to chemical operations.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and ability to work under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Monitor refinery unit operations and perform regular laboratory analyses to verify product specs.
• Troubleshoot process upsets and deviations; recommend corrective actions to operators/engineers.
• Optimize chemical additives and catalysts to improve efficiency and yield.
• Contribute to development and implementation of new process technologies.
• Ensure SHE compliance in laboratory and production areas.
• Maintain accurate records of results, data, and QC checks.

Skills

Laboratory analysis

Problem-solving

Safety awareness

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering

Tools

Analytical instruments

Chromatography

Spectroscopy

Lab automation

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for an experienced Production Chemist to join their refinery operations team in Upington . This crucial role involves monitoring and optimizing chemical processes to ensure the efficient and safe production of refined products. You will conduct laboratory analysis, troubleshoot process deviations, and collaborate with operations and engineering teams to maintain product quality and operational performance. This position offers a hands‑on opportunity to apply chemical principles in a complex industrial environment, contributing directly to the success of refinery output.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor refinery unit operations and conduct regular laboratory analyses to ensure product specifications are met.
• Troubleshoot process upsets and deviations, recommending corrective actions to operators and engineers.
• Optimize chemical additives and catalysts usage to enhance process efficiency and product yield.
• Participate in the development and implementation of new process technologies and improvements.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, health, and environmental (SHE) regulations within the laboratory and production areas.
• Maintain accurate records of analytical results, process data, and quality control checks.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience as a Process Chemist or in a similar role within a refinery or petrochemical plant.
• Proficiency in analytical laboratory techniques and instrumentation.
• Strong understanding of hydrocarbon processing and refining operations.
• Knowledge of SHE regulations relevant to chemical operations.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and the ability to work effectively under pressure.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary and performance-related bonuses.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement plan.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development in refinery operations.
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment in Upington .
• Contribution to the vital energy sector through essential refining processes.