Senior Chemical Engineer - Reaction Engineering

Placements24; Klerksdorp; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Life insurance

Retirement fund

Professional development

Conference attendance

Job summary

WhatJobs Direct in Klerksdorp, North West, ZA is seeking a Senior Chemical Engineer specializing in Reaction Engineering to lead design, optimization, and troubleshooting of chemical reactors. The role covers kinetics, thermodynamics, and transport phenomena with hands‑on process development in an industrial setting.

The ideal candidate holds a Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering with 5+ years in reaction engineering, and proficiency in Aspen Plus/HYSYS.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering with a specialization in Reaction Engineering.
• 5+ years of industry experience in reaction engineering and process design.
• Strong knowledge of kinetics, reactor design, and thermodynamics.
• Experience with process simulation software (Aspen Plus, HYSYS) and catalyst scale‑up.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, eligible to work in South Africa.

Responsibilities

• Design, model, and optimize chemical reactors for various industrial applications.
• Develop and validate kinetic models for complex reaction systems.
• Troubleshoot reactor performance issues and implement effective solutions.
• Conduct feasibility studies and process development for new reaction pathways.
• Perform process simulations and scale‑up calculations for reactor systems.
• Ensure adherence to safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with R&D, operations, and maintenance teams.
• Prepare technical reports, specifications, and project documentation.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers.
• Stay updated on advancements in reaction engineering and catalysis.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Critical thinking

Written and verbal communication

Team collaboration

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering (Reaction Engineering)

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

Reaction modeling tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, WhatJobs Direct, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Chemical Engineer specializing in Reaction Engineering to join their team based in Klerksdorp, North West, ZA . This role is critical for the design, optimization, and troubleshooting of chemical reactors and associated processes. You will apply advanced principles of reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and transport phenomena to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective production. This position requires hands‑on involvement in plant operations and process development, making it an ideal opportunity for a dedicated engineer looking to make a tangible impact in a challenging industrial setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, model, and optimize chemical reactors for various industrial applications.
• Develop and validate kinetic models for complex reaction systems.
• Troubleshoot reactor performance issues and implement effective solutions.
• Conduct feasibility studies and process development for new reaction pathways.
• Perform process simulations and scale‑up calculations for reactor systems.
• Ensure adherence to all safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements related to reactor operations.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including R&D, operations, and maintenance.
• Prepare technical reports, specifications, and project documentation.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in reaction engineering and catalysis.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. degree in Chemical Engineering with a specialization in Reaction Engineering.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant industry experience in reaction engineering and process design.
• Strong theoretical understanding and practical application of chemical kinetics, reactor design, and thermodynamics.
• Proficiency in chemical process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS) and reaction modeling tools.
• Experience with catalyst selection, evaluation, and scale‑up.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and critical‑thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated experience in process safety related to reactor operations.
• Must be eligible to work in South Africa.

Benefits

• This position offers a competitive annual salary ranging from ZAR , commensurate with experience.
• You will receive comprehensive medical aid, life insurance, and retirement fund benefits.
• Our client provides opportunities for professional development, including training courses and conference attendance.
• The role is based at our facility in Klerksdorp, North West, ZA , offering a stable and impactful career.
• Join a company that values technical expertise and invests in its employees' growth and contribution to the chemical industry.