Senior Chemical Engineer - Process Design & Scale-Up

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 1,100,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Pension plan

Performance bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 in Upington, Northern Cape, seeks a Senior Chemical Engineer - Process Design & Scale-Up to lead design, simulation and scale-up of new chemical processes. You will translate lab concepts into commercial production, manage pilot plant trials and collaborate across R&D, engineering and operations.

The role requires 7+ years in process design, strong knowledge of Aspen Plus/HYSYS and CAD, and a PE or equivalent is preferred.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering is required or equivalent.
• 7+ years in process design, scale-up and project engineering in chemical industry.
• Proven experience with process simulation software and CAD tools.
• Strong knowledge of reaction engineering, thermodynamics and fluid dynamics.
• Experience in pilot plant programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead the process design and scale-up of new chemical manufacturing processes.
• Develop PFDs and P&IDs.
• Perform detailed process simulations using industry-standard software.
• Select process equipment and define operating parameters.
• Oversee pilot plant trials and troubleshoot scale-up challenges.
• Conduct PHAs and ensure safety and regulatory compliance.
• Develop mass and energy balances, utility requirements and preliminary cost estimates.
• Collaborate with R&D, project engineering and operations teams.
• Write technical specifications for equipment and instrumentation.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide design guidance.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Analytical Skills

Communication

Mentoring

Scale-Up

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

CAD tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished international chemical company with expanding operations, is seeking an accomplished Senior Chemical Engineer - Process Design & Scale-Up to contribute to their innovative projects, with a primary base near Upington, Northern Cape. This role is crucial for translating laboratory concepts into commercially viable production processes. You will lead the design, simulation, and scale-up of new chemical manufacturing processes, ensuring technical feasibility, economic viability, and operational safety. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in process design, P&ID development, equipment selection, and pilot plant operations. We are looking for a proactive engineer with strong analytical skills and a proven ability to manage complex projects from initiation through to successful implementation. This position offers the opportunity to work on exciting new chemical technologies and make a significant impact on the company's growth and product portfolio in the Upington region.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the process design and scale-up of new chemical manufacturing processes.
• Develop Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs) and Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs).
• Perform detailed process simulations using industry-standard software.
• Select appropriate process equipment and define operating parameters.
• Oversee pilot plant trials and troubleshoot scale-up challenges.
• Conduct process hazard analyses (PHAs) and ensure designs meet safety standards.
• Develop mass and energy balances, utility requirements, and preliminary cost estimates.
• Collaborate with R&D, project engineering, and operations teams throughout the project lifecycle.
• Write technical specifications for equipment and instrumentation.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance on design principles.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in process design, scale-up, and project engineering within the chemical industry.
• Proven expertise in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS) and CAD tools.
• Strong knowledge of chemical reaction engineering, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics.
• Experience in developing and executing pilot plant programs.
• Excellent understanding of process safety principles and regulatory compliance.
• Strong project management and leadership skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Experience in diverse chemical sectors (e.g., pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals, materials) is a plus.
• Professional Engineer (PE) or equivalent registration is preferred.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a retirement savings plan, and performance-based bonuses.
• We provide excellent opportunities for professional growth, including continuous training and exposure to diverse international projects.
• This role, based near Upington, Northern Cape, offers a chance to contribute to significant technological advancements in a growing company committed to innovation and sustainability.

Join a team that values expertise and collaboration.