Senior Chemical Engineer - Fertilizer Production Optimization

Placements24; Mossel Bay; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive annual salary

Medical aid and provident fund

Performance bonuses

Professional development and training

Paid annual leave and public holidays

Relocation assistance may be provided

Wellness programs

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Chemical Engineer to optimize fertilizer production in Mossel Bay, Western Cape. You will drive process improvements, troubleshoot complex issues, and implement new technologies in a large-scale manufacturing setting.

The role emphasizes operational excellence, with responsibilities spanning P&ID updates, safety compliance, and cross-functional collaboration across operations, maintenance, and quality control teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in chemical process engineering with emphasis on fertilizer/heavy chemical production.
• Proven experience in process optimization, troubleshooting, and scale-up.
• Familiarity with process simulation software (Aspen Plus, HYSYS).
• Strong understanding of chemical reaction engineering, thermodynamics, and unit operations in fertilizer production.
• Knowledge of safety standards and environmental regulations in the chemical industry.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective teamwork.
• Experience working in a plant environment is essential.
• Eligible to work in South Africa and relocate to Western Cape.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and optimize fertilizer production processes to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Troubleshoot operational problems and conduct root cause analyses.
• Develop and implement process improvements and updates (P&ID, procedures).
• Ensure compliance with safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Collaborate with plant operations, maintenance, and quality control teams.
• Participate in PHAs and implement recommendations.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies or equipment.
• Develop technical reports, process documentation, and guidelines.
• Provide technical support and training to plant personnel.
• Monitor KPIs and report process performance.

Skills

Process optimization

Troubleshooting

Scale-up

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

Chemical reaction engineering

Thermodynamics

Safety standards

Analytical skills

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a key player in the agricultural chemical industry, is seeking a dedicated Senior Chemical Engineer to enhance their operations in Mossel Bay, Western Cape . This critical role focuses on optimizing the production of fertilizers, ensuring efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability. You will be involved in process improvements, troubleshooting, and the implementation of new technologies within a large-scale manufacturing plant. The ideal candidate will have a robust background in chemical process engineering, specifically within the fertilizer or heavy chemical sector. We are looking for a hands‑on engineer who is committed to operational excellence and possesses strong analytical skills. Your contributions will directly impact product quality and cost‑effectiveness, supporting sustainable agriculture. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a stable and growing industry leader in the scenic region of Mossel Bay .

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze and optimize existing fertilizer production processes to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and minimize waste.
• Troubleshoot operational problems, conduct root cause analyses, and implement effective solutions.
• Develop and implement process improvements and modifications, including P&ID updates and operational procedures.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, health, and environmental regulations relevant to fertilizer manufacturing.
• Collaborate with plant operations, maintenance, and quality control teams to ensure seamless production.
• Participate in process hazard analyses (PHAs) and implement recommendations.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies or process equipment for potential adoption.
• Develop technical reports, process documentation, and operational guidelines.
• Provide technical support and training to plant personnel as needed.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and report on process performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in chemical process engineering, with a strong emphasis on fertilizer or related heavy chemical production (e.g., ammonia, sulfuric acid, nitric acid).
• Proven experience in process optimization, troubleshooting, and scale‑up.
• Familiarity with process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS).
• Solid understanding of chemical reaction engineering, thermodynamics, and unit operations relevant to fertilizer production.
• Knowledge of safety standards and environmental regulations in the chemical industry.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective teamwork.
• Experience working in a plant environment is essential.
• Must be eligible to work in South Africa .
• Residency or willingness to relocate to the Western Cape region.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary.
• Comprehensive medical aid and provident fund.
• Performance bonuses based on plant efficiency and safety.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• Paid annual leave and public holidays.
• Stable employment with a reputable company.
• Supportive team environment.
• Potential for career advancement within the organization.
• Relocation assistance may be provided.
• Company-sponsored wellness programs.