Production Engineer - Chemical Plant

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 360,000 - 540,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

On-site role

Medical benefits

Retirement benefits

Paid vacation

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Mbombela (Nelspruit) is seeking a Production Engineer for our chemical plant operations. You will oversee daily production activities, work with operators and maintenance teams, and drive safe, reliable plant performance.

The role emphasizes problem solving, process improvements, and meeting production targets. A chemical engineering degree and 2-4 years of relevant experience are preferred, with strong teamwork and safety compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• 2–4 years of experience in chemical plant production or operations.
• Strong problem-solving skills and safety awareness.
• Ability to collaborate with operators and maintenance teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily production activities, ensuring schedules and quality.
• Troubleshoot process and equipment issues to minimize downtime.
• Collaborate with maintenance on reliability and preventative maintenance.
• Implement process improvements to boost efficiency and reduce waste.
• Ensure compliance with safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Train and mentor operators on process operations and safety.
• Analyze production data to identify trends and opportunities.

Skills

Problem solving

Troubleshooting

Process optimization

Teamwork

Safety awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a practical and results-oriented Production Engineer for their chemical plant operations in Nelspruit. This role is crucial for ensuring the efficient, safe, and reliable day-to-day operation of the production facility. You will work closely with operators and maintenance teams to troubleshoot issues, implement process improvements, and meet production targets. This is a hands‑on position that requires strong problem‑solving skills and a commitment to operational excellence within a manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily production activities, ensuring adherence to schedules and quality standards.
• Troubleshoot process and equipment issues to minimize downtime and optimize performance.
• Collaborate with maintenance teams on equipment reliability and preventative maintenance programs.
• Implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and lower production costs.
• Ensure all operations comply with safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Train and mentor production operators on process operations and safety procedures.
• Analyze production data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related technical field.
• 2-4 years of experience in a chemical plant production or operations role.
• Strong understanding of chemical processes and equipment used in manufacturing.
• Proven ability to diagnose and resolve operational problems effectively.
• Familiarity with safety procedures and environmental regulations in a plant setting.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills for on-site collaboration.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance incentives.
• On‑site role with direct impact on production operations.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Paid vacation and holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development and advancement within operations.
• A stable work environment with a focus on continuous improvement.