Senior Chemical Engineer — Process Innovation & Safety Lead

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical aid and provident fund

Generous leave allowance and holidays

Professional growth and training

Collaborative and innovative work env.

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Chemical Engineer for our Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal operations. You will lead design, development, and optimization of chemical processes to improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability across manufacturing sites.

The role requires a strong track record in process simulation (Aspen Plus, HYSYS), PFDs/P&IDs, and PHAs with a focus on regulatory compliance and cost-effective solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from an accredited university.
• Minimum 8 years of relevant experience in process engineering, preferably within the industrial chemicals sector.
• Strong experience in process design, simulation (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS), and P&ID development.
• Solid understanding of chemical reaction engineering, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics.
• Proven experience with Process Safety Management (PSM) and conducting HAZOP studies.
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to work with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng) is highly advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and engineering of new chemical processes and modification of existing ones to enhance efficiency, yield, and sustainability.
• Conduct process simulations, feasibility studies, and economic evaluations for proposed projects.
• Develop detailed process flow diagrams (PFDs), piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), and equipment specifications.
• Oversee process hazard analyses (PHAs) and ensure implementation of risk mitigation strategies.
• Troubleshoot operational issues, perform root cause analyses, and implement sustainable solutions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including operations, maintenance, R&D, and project management, to achieve project goals.
• Ensure compliance with all local and international environmental, health, and safety (EHS) regulations.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical expertise to support operational teams.
• Manage specific engineering projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.

Skills

Process design & simulation

PSM & HAZOP

Project management

Thermodynamics & fluids

Regulatory compliance

Mentoring & leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Chemical Engineer for our Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal operations. You will lead design, development, and optimization of chemical processes to improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability across manufacturing sites.

The role requires a strong track record in process simulation (Aspen Plus, HYSYS), PFDs/P&IDs, and PHAs with a focus on regulatory compliance and cost-effective solutions.