Senior Chemical Engineer - Plant Optimization

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 1,100,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Generous annual leave

Professional development

Hybrid work arrangement

Advanced process monitoring tools

Supportive team environment in Mossel 

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Chemical Engineer to lead plant optimization in Mossel Bay, Western Cape. You will analyze operation data, model processes, and drive continuous improvement across operations, maintenance, and R&D teams in a hybrid on-site/remote setup.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in chemical process engineering, strong SPC/Six Sigma experience, and proficiency with Aspen Plus or CHEMCAD. Pr.Eng desirable; excellent communication and problem-solving skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• 7+ years in chemical process engineering focused on plant operations.
• Experience with optimization techniques, SPC, and Six Sigma.
• Proficiency with Aspen Plus, CHEMCAD and data analysis tools.
• Strong knowledge of reaction engineering, thermodynamics and separations.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Hybrid work: on-site and remote collaboration.
• PE registration desirable (Pr.Eng).

Responsibilities

• Analyze plant operating data to identify opportunities for process optimization, yield improvement, and cost reduction.
• Develop and implement strategies to enhance plant efficiency, throughput, and energy conservation.
• Conduct root cause analyses for process upsets and implement corrective actions to improve reliability.
• Utilize process simulation and modeling tools to evaluate design modifications and operational changes.
• Develop and manage KPIs for plant operations and track progress against targets.
• Collaborate with operational teams to implement process improvements and provide technical support.
• Participate in PHAs and ensure safety considerations are integrated into optimization initiatives.
• Develop and deliver training on process optimization techniques and best practices.
• Stay updated on new technologies and methodologies for plant optimization.
• Contribute to development of long-term strategies for plant modernization and efficiency upgrades.

Skills

SPC

Six Sigma

Process optimization

Statistical analysis

Aspen Plus

CHEMCAD

Reaction engineering

Thermodynamics

Separation processes

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

CHEMCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the specialty chemicals sector, is seeking a dedicated Senior Chemical Engineer focused on Plant Optimization to join their team in Mossel Bay, Western Cape . This role is crucial for enhancing the efficiency, reliability, and profitability of our client's manufacturing operations. You will leverage your expertise in process analysis, modeling, and continuous improvement methodologies to identify bottlenecks, reduce waste, and improve overall plant performance. Working in a hybrid capacity, you will split your time between on-site analysis and data-driven remote work, collaborating closely with operations, maintenance, and R&D teams. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of chemical processes, statistical analysis, and optimization techniques. This position offers an excellent opportunity to make a tangible impact on operational excellence and contribute to the sustainable growth of the business within the vibrant industrial landscape of Mossel Bay .

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze plant operating data to identify opportunities for process optimization, yield improvement, and cost reduction.
• Develop and implement strategies to enhance plant efficiency, throughput, and energy conservation.
• Conduct root cause analyses for process upsets and implement corrective actions to improve reliability.
• Utilize process simulation and modeling tools to evaluate design modifications and operational changes.
• Develop and manage key performance indicators (KPIs) for plant operations and track progress against targets.
• Collaborate with operational teams to implement process improvements and provide technical support.
• Participate in process hazard analyses (PHAs) and ensure safety considerations are integrated into optimization initiatives.
• Develop and deliver training on process optimization techniques and best practices.
• Stay updated on new technologies and methodologies for plant optimization in the chemical industry.
• Contribute to the development of long-term strategies for plant modernization and efficiency upgrades.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in chemical process engineering, with a strong focus on plant operations and optimization.
• Proven experience in applying optimization techniques, statistical process control (SPC), and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Proficiency with process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, CHEMCAD) and data analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of chemical reaction engineering, thermodynamics, and separation processes.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with diverse teams.
• Experience working in a hybrid model, balancing on-site and remote responsibilities.
• Knowledge of process safety management (PSM) principles.
• Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng) registration is desirable.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package with performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Opportunities for professional development and advanced training.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility.
• Access to advanced process monitoring and simulation tools.
• Supportive team environment in Mossel Bay, Western Cape .