Senior Chemical Engineer - Process Optimization

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Chemical Engineer for our client in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, focusing on process optimization and sustainable manufacturing improvements.

The role emphasizes improving yield, energy efficiency, waste reduction, and safety compliance across the site, with mentoring responsibilities for junior engineers and collaboration with operations, maintenance, and R&D teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's in Chemical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Pr Eng registration with ECSA is highly preferred.
• 8+ years in chemical engineering with process design, analysis and optimization.
• Experience with process simulation and data analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and optimize chemical processes for efficiency.
• Develop strategies for yield, energy, waste, and quality improvements.
• Design, test, and scale-up new technologies.
• Conduct cost-benefit analyses for modifications.
• Ensure safety and environmental compliance.
• Mentor junior engineers and guide staff.
• Prepare technical reports for management.

Skills

Process optimization

Data analysis

Team mentoring

Project leadership

Education

Chemical Engineering degree

Tools

Aspen HYSYS

PRO/II

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the industrial manufacturing sector in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal , is seeking a highly experienced Senior Chemical Engineer with a strong focus on process optimization. This role is crucial for driving efficiency, safety, and sustainability within our client's manufacturing operations. The successful candidate will be responsible for analyzing existing processes, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing innovative solutions to enhance productivity and reduce operational costs. This position offers a significant opportunity for a skilled engineer to lead impactful projects and contribute to the strategic growth of the company in the vibrant industrial hub of Richards Bay . We are looking for a technically astute and results-oriented professional who can leverage their expertise to tackle complex engineering challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze and evaluate existing chemical processes to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and potential areas for improvement.
• Develop and implement strategies for process optimization, focusing on yield enhancement, energy reduction, waste minimization, and quality improvement.
• Design, test, and scale-up new process technologies and equipment.
• Conduct feasibility studies and cost-benefit analyses for proposed process modifications and capital investments.
• Ensure all processes comply with safety regulations, environmental standards, and company policies.
• Troubleshoot and resolve operational issues related to chemical processes and equipment.
• Collaborate with plant operations, maintenance, and R&D teams to ensure seamless integration of process improvements.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, documentation, and recommendations for management.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance to operational staff in Richards Bay.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Professional registration as a Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) is highly preferred.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in chemical engineering, with a significant focus on process design, analysis, and optimization within an industrial setting.
• Demonstrated expertise in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen HYSYS, PRO/II) and data analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of chemical reaction engineering, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and mass