Senior Chemical Engineer, Production Support

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Life insurance

Retirement fund

Professional development

In-house training

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA seeks a Senior Chemical Engineer, Production Support to ensure continuous and efficient operation of manufacturing facilities. This on-site role involves resolving process upsets, optimizing production, and driving safety and quality improvements with operators and management.

The successful candidate will have 6+ years in chemical manufacturing, strong data analysis and problem-solving skills, and experience with process safety and ISO 9001.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• 6+ years in chemical manufacturing focusing on production support.
• Troubleshooting complex processes and equipment.
• Knowledge of safety and quality standards.
• Experience with data analysis and process improvements.

Responsibilities

• Provide immediate technical support to production to resolve upsets and malfunctions.
• Analyze production data to identify trends and optimize yield and cost.
• Develop modifications to enhance efficiency, safety, and environmental performance.
• Conduct root cause analyses for deviations and implement CAPAs.
• Collaborate with maintenance and engineering for reliability and PM programs.
• Support product introductions and scale-up from pilot to full production.
• Train and mentor junior engineers and technicians on operations.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Participate in PHAs and safety reviews.

Skills

Data analysis

SPC

Root cause analysis

PSM

Quality systems

Problem solving

Communication

Teamwork

Automation familiarity

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the specialty chemicals sector, is seeking an experienced Senior Chemical Engineer, Production Support to join their dedicated team in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA . This hands-on role is crucial for ensuring the continuous and efficient operation of our manufacturing facilities. You will be the primary technical resource for production, addressing operational challenges, optimizing existing processes, and implementing improvements to meet stringent quality and output targets. This position requires a strong presence on-site, working closely with plant operators and management to maintain the highest standards of safety and productivity. We are looking for a technically astute engineer with excellent problem-solving skills and a proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Your expertise will be vital in supporting and enhancing our production capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide immediate technical support to the production team to resolve process upsets and equipment malfunctions.
• Analyze production data to identify trends, bottlenecks, and opportunities for yield improvement and cost reduction.
• Develop and implement process modifications and upgrades to enhance efficiency, safety, and environmental performance.
• Conduct root cause analysis for quality deviations and operational failures, implementing corrective and preventive actions.
• Collaborate with maintenance and engineering departments to ensure equipment reliability and effective preventative maintenance programs.
• Support new product introductions and process scale-up activities from pilot to commercial production.
• Train and mentor junior engineers and technicians on process operations and best practices.
• Ensure adherence to all safety protocols, environmental regulations, and quality standards.
• Participate in process hazard analyses (PHAs) and safety reviews.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• A minimum of 6 years of experience in chemical manufacturing, with a strong focus on production support and process improvement.
• Proven experience in troubleshooting complex chemical processes and equipment.
• Proficiency in process data analysis, statistical process control (SPC), and root cause analysis techniques.
• Knowledge of process safety management (PSM) principles and practices.
• Familiarity with various unit operations common in chemical manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001).
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities, with the capacity to work collaboratively across different departments.
• Experience with industrial automation and control systems is a plus.

Benefits

This position offers a competitive annual salary of ZAR , commensurate with experience. The role is based in our operational hub in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA . Our client provides a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid, life insurance, and a retirement fund. Opportunities for professional development, including in-house training and support for external certifications, are readily available. Employees benefit from regular performance reviews and potential for career advancement within the organization. A stable and supportive work environment is guaranteed, alongside standard annual leave. Our client is committed to fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement.