Senior Chemical Engineer - Process Optimization

Placements24; Richards Bay; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary package

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Chemical Engineer for its Richards Bay operation to lead process optimization and efficiency improvements. You will analyze existing processes, design improvements, and mentor junior engineers while coordinating with operations, maintenance, and R&D teams.

The role requires a minimum of 8 years' experience, a chemical engineering degree, and professional registration (Pr Eng preferred).

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Pr Eng registration with ECSA is highly preferred.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in chemical engineering in an industrial setting.
• Experience with process simulation software (Aspen HYSYS, PRO/II) and data analysis.
• Strong understanding of reaction engineering, thermodynamics, and mass transfer.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and optimize existing chemical processes to identify inefficiencies.
• Develop strategies for yield, energy, waste, and quality improvements.
• Design, test and scale-up new process technologies and equipment.
• Conduct feasibility studies and cost-benefit analyses.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and environmental standards.
• Troubleshoot operations and equipment problems.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance and R&D teams.
• Prepare technical reports and recommendations for management.
• Mentor junior engineers and guide operational staff.

Skills

Process optimization

Lean Six Sigma

Leadership

Safety compliance

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering

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 transfer principles.
• Proven experience in implementing Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Strong leadership and communication abilities, with the capacity to manage projects and influence stakeholders.
• Experience in the specific industry sector of our client is a plus for this role in Richards Bay .
• Commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and operational excellence.

Benefits

• Our client offers an attractive salary package, comprehensive medical aid, and a robust retirement fund.
• This position includes opportunities for continuous professional development, attending industry conferences, and career progression within a leading organization.
• Employees benefit from a safe and dynamic work environment, access to advanced technologies, and the chance to work on challenging and impactful projects.
• The role in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal , provides an excellent platform for an experienced chemical engineer to lead significant improvements and shape operational strategies.