Senior Chemical Engineer - Petrochemicals

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

State-of-the-art facilities

Career development opportunities

Generous paid time off

Competitive salary and benefits

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Senior Chemical Engineer specializing in petrochemicals to join our Stellenbosch-based team. The role focuses on design, operation, and optimization of complex chemical processes within petrochemical facilities, with on-site responsibilities and leadership expectations.

You will mentor junior engineers, drive process improvements, ensure safety and environmental compliance, and contribute to strategic development in a stable industrial environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and scale-up of petrochemical processes.
• Oversee operation of chemical plants and troubleshoot for efficiency.
• Perform process simulations, P&ID development, and equipment specs.
• Conduct root cause analyses and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and safety protocols.
• Mentor junior engineers and drive technical development.
• Collaborate with maintenance, operations and management teams.

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for a highly experienced Senior Chemical Engineer specializing in petrochemicals to join their established team in Stellenbosch . This is a critical on-site role where you will be responsible for the design, operation, and optimization of complex chemical processes within their petrochemical facilities. You will provide technical leadership, mentor junior engineers, and ensure the safe, efficient, and environmentally sound functioning of our operations. This position offers a significant opportunity to influence process improvements and contribute to the strategic development of our core petrochemical business within a stable, established industrial environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and scale-up of petrochemical processes, ensuring adherence to engineering best practices and safety standards.
• Oversee the operation of chemical plants, troubleshooting issues and implementing solutions to maximize efficiency and minimize downtime.
• Conduct process simulations, P&ID development, and equipment specification for plant modifications and new projects.
• Perform root cause analyses for process deviations and implement corrective and preventative actions.
• Ensure compliance with all environmental regulations, safety protocols, and company policies.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers, fostering their technical growth and professional development.
• Collaborate with maintenance, operations, and management teams to achieve production targets and operational excellence.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in the petrochemical industry, with a strong focus on process design and operations.
• Extensive knowledge of petrochemical processes, including refining, cracking, and polymerization.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen HYSYS, PRO/II) and CAD tools.
• Strong understanding of process safety management (PSM) principles and risk assessment techniques.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including medical and retirement plans.
• Opportunity for career advancement within a leading petrochemical company.
• Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technology.
• A strong emphasis on safety, operational excellence, and employee development.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays.