Senior Chemical Engineer - Plant Design

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive-level pay & bonus program

Health, life & disability insurance

Generous retirement plan

Substantial annual leave & holidays

International travel opportunities

Career advancement to senior roles

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Senior Chemical Engineer to join the plant design team in Sandton, Gauteng. Lead the design of new chemical facilities and major upgrades, developing PFDs, P&IDs, and equipment specs while guiding safety-focused process improvements.

You will perform simulations, PHAs, and collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and civil teams. A strong 8+ year background and familiarity with Aspen Plus/HYSYS are essential for this senior role in a global chemical

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering (Master's degree preferred).
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in chemical plant design and engineering.
• Proven expertise in process design, P&ID development, and process simulation software (Aspen Plus, HYSYS).
• Strong knowledge of chemical process safety, including HAZOP and risk assessment methodologies.
• Experience with project management principles and the project lifecycle.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to coordinate complex technical efforts.
• Familiarity with international engineering codes and standards.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa and reside in or relocate to Sandton area.

Responsibilities

• Lead the process design for new chemical plants and major modifications.
• Develop PFDs, P&IDs, and equipment specifications.
• Run process simulations to optimize designs and meet performance targets.
• Perform PHAs and integrate safety into designs.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and mentor junior engineers.
• Review vendor proposals to meet design requirements.
• Support commissioning and start-up activities with technical input.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and environmental regulations.

Skills

Process design

PFD development

P&ID development

Process simulation

PHA & safety analysis

Project management

Leadership

Communication

International codes

Education

BSc Chemical Engineering

MSc preferred

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent global leader in chemical manufacturing, is seeking an experienced Senior Chemical Engineer to join their esteemed plant design team in Sandton, Gauteng. This role is central to the conceptualization, design, and technical oversight of new chemical facilities and major process upgrades. The successful candidate will leverage their extensive expertise to develop innovative and efficient process designs, ensuring compliance with the highest safety, environmental, and operational standards. We are looking for a seasoned professional with a strong command of process engineering principles, simulation tools, and project lifecycle management. This is a fantastic opportunity to shape the future of our manufacturing infrastructure in Sandton and contribute to the company's strategic growth. Join a world-class organization renowned for its commitment to engineering excellence and sustainable practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the process design and development for new chemical plants and major modifications.
• Develop Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), and equipment specifications.
• Conduct process simulations and modeling to optimize design parameters and ensure performance targets are met.
• Perform rigorous process hazard analyses (PHAs) and incorporate safety considerations into designs.
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams (mechanical, electrical, civil) and project management.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers on the design team.
• Review vendor proposals and equipment selections to ensure they meet design requirements.
• Support commissioning and start-up activities, providing technical expertise as needed.
• Ensure designs comply with all relevant industry standards, codes, and environmental regulations applicable in Sandton and globally.
• Contribute to cost estimation and feasibility studies for new projects.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in chemical plant design and engineering.
• Proven expertise in process design, P&ID development, and process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS).
• Strong knowledge of chemical process safety, including HAZOP and risk assessment methodologies.
• Experience with project management principles and the project lifecycle.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to coordinate complex technical efforts.
• Familiarity with international engineering codes and standards.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa and reside in or be willing to relocate to the Sandton, Gauteng area.

Benefits

• Executive-level salary and comprehensive bonus program.
• Premium health, life, and disability insurance.
• Generous retirement savings plan.
• Substantial annual leave and paid holidays.
• Opportunities for international travel and professional development.
• Lead role in significant capital projects in Sandton.
• A highly professional and intellectually stimulating work environment.
• Potential for advancement to senior management positions.