Senior Chemical Engineer - Plant Design

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based bonus

Medical and retirement benefits

Generous annual leave

Professional development

Hybrid work arrangement

Exposure to large-scale projects

Collaborative team environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Chemical Engineer specializing in plant design for an East London project. The role offers a hybrid work model with a mix of on-site client engagement and remote design work.

You will lead design from concept to detailed engineering, develop PFDs and P&IDs, run simulations, ensure safety and code compliance, and mentor junior engineers within a multi-disciplinary team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in chemical plant design and process engineering.
• Proven experience in developing PFDs, P&IDs, and performing process simulations (e.g., Aspen HYSYS/Plus).
• Strong understanding of process safety principles and hazard analysis techniques.
• Familiarity with relevant engineering codes and standards.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, managing time between office, site, and remote work.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design of chemical process plants from conceptual studies through to detailed engineering.
• Develop PFDs, P&IDs, and equipment specifications.
• Perform process simulations and calculations for mass and energy balances, equipment sizing, and performance evaluation.
• Conduct feasibility studies and techno-economic assessments for new plant designs.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant industry codes, standards, and regulatory requirements (e.g., environmental, safety).
• Collaborate effectively with multi-disciplinary engineering teams and project stakeholders.
• Review vendor data and equipment submittals to ensure compliance with design specifications.
• Provide technical support during the construction, commissioning, and start-up phases of projects.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers in design principles and best practices.
• Manage project design tasks, ensuring timely delivery and within budget constraints.

Skills

Process design

Team collaboration

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen HYSYS/Plus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly respected engineering consultancy and project management firm, is seeking a Senior Chemical Engineer specializing in Plant Design to join their esteemed team. This role, based in East London, Eastern Cape, operates on a hybrid model, enabling a flexible blend of on-site client engagement and collaborative office work with remote design and documentation activities. You will be responsible for the conceptualization, design, and development of chemical processing facilities, ensuring adherence to all engineering standards, safety regulations, and client requirements. This is a significant opportunity to contribute to diverse and challenging projects within the chemical and petrochemical industries.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design of chemical process plants from conceptual studies through to detailed engineering.
• Develop Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), and equipment specifications.
• Perform process simulations and calculations for mass and energy balances, equipment sizing, and performance evaluation.
• Conduct feasibility studies and techno-economic assessments for new plant designs.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant industry codes, standards, and regulatory requirements (e.g., environmental, safety).
• Collaborate effectively with multi-disciplinary engineering teams (mechanical, electrical, civil) and project stakeholders.
• Review vendor data and equipment submittals to ensure compliance with design specifications.
• Provide technical support during the construction, commissioning, and start-up phases of projects.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers in design principles and best practices.
• Manage project design tasks, ensuring timely delivery and within budget constraints.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in chemical plant design and process engineering.
• Proven experience in developing PFDs, P&IDs, and performing process simulations (e.g., Aspen HYSYS/Plus).
• Strong understanding of process safety principles and hazard analysis techniques.
• Familiarity with relevant engineering codes and standards.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, managing time between office, site, and remote work.
• Residentially based in or willing to relocate to East London, Eastern Cape.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Generous annual leave and company holidays.
• Professional development and training support.
• Hybrid work arrangement promoting work-life balance.
• Exposure to a variety of large-scale engineering projects.
• Collaborative and supportive team environment.