Senior Chemical Engineer - Fertilizer Production

Placements24; Richards Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 1,400,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Annual performance bonus

Medical insurance

Pension fund

Career advancement

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Chemical Engineer for its Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal operations. The role combines on-site plant involvement with remote work flexibility to optimize fertilizer processes and ensure product quality.

The ideal candidate brings 8+ years in chemical process engineering, strong reactor/thermodynamics knowledge, and hands-on experience with Aspen Plus and safety PHAs. You will lead projects, mentor junior engineers, and drive continuous improvement in a demanding

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• 8+ years in chemical process engineering, with fertilizer/bulk chemical focus.
• Proven expertise in process optimization, troubleshooting and scale-up.
• Experience with Aspen Plus and advanced process control concepts.
• Strong knowledge of reaction engineering, thermodynamics and separations.
• Industrial safety practices and PHA methodologies.
• Analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Communication and leadership abilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and optimize continuous and batch fertilizer processes.
• Conduct process analyses to identify yield, cost and energy improvements.
• Develop and implement process modifications to boost performance.
• Troubleshoot deviations, equipment faults and quality issues.
• Design and specify reactors, crystallizers, dryers, and handling systems.
• Update process documents: PFDs, P&IDs, operating manuals, and safety procedures.
• Lead PHAs and implement safety recommendations.
• Collaborate with maintenance, operations and QA teams for smooth operation.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership.
• Monitor environmental performance and drive compliance improvements.

Skills

Process optimization

Troubleshooting

Scale-up

Aspen Plus

Process control

PHA methodologies

Leadership

Safety

Education

Master's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major producer of agricultural chemicals, is seeking an experienced Senior Chemical Engineer to join their operational team in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This role is critical for optimizing and troubleshooting the complex processes involved in fertilizer production. The successful candidate will leverage their deep understanding of chemical reactions, thermodynamics, and process control to enhance efficiency, ensure product quality, and maintain stringent safety standards. This position involves a hybrid work arrangement, combining essential on-site plant interaction with the flexibility of remote work. We are looking for a results-oriented individual with a strong commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvement in a demanding industrial environment. Join a vital sector of the economy in the strategic location of Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and optimize the continuous and batch processes involved in fertilizer manufacturing.
• Conduct detailed process analyses to identify opportunities for yield improvement, cost reduction, and energy efficiency.
• Develop and implement process modifications and upgrades to enhance plant performance and reliability.
• Troubleshoot process deviations, equipment malfunctions, and quality issues, providing timely solutions.
• Design and specify process equipment, including reactors, crystallizers, dryers, and material handling systems.
• Develop and update process documentation, including PFDs, P&IDs, operating manuals, and safety procedures.
• Lead and participate in Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs) and ensure implementation of safety recommendations.
• Collaborate with maintenance, operations, and quality assurance teams to ensure smooth plant operation.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership.
• Monitor environmental performance and implement strategies for compliance and improvement.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in chemical process engineering, with a strong focus on fertilizer or bulk chemical production.
• Proven expertise in process optimization, troubleshooting, and scale-up.
• Experience with process simulation tools (e.g., Aspen Plus) and advanced process control concepts.
• Thorough understanding of reaction engineering, thermodynamics, and separation technologies relevant to fertilizer production.
• Strong knowledge of industrial safety practices and PHA methodologies.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead and collaborate.
• Experience with materials science relevant to corrosion and handling of agricultural chemicals.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, annual performance bonuses, comprehensive medical insurance, a pension fund, and significant opportunities for career advancement and professional development. The hybrid work model provides flexibility while ensuring critical operational involvement. This position is based in the industrial hub of Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal.