Senior Chemical Engineer - Water Treatment Solutions

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical aid

Provident fund

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Klerksdorp, North West, seeks a Senior Chemical Engineer to lead the design, implementation and optimization of chemical processes for industrial and municipal water treatment. The role demands expertise in water chemistry, separation technologies and process scale‑up, with a focus on sustainability and regulatory compliance.

You will oversee treatability studies, pilot plant trials and full‑scale evaluations, mentor engineers, and collaborate with project teams to ensure

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or related environmental science.
• 7+ years of experience in chemical process design for water treatment.
• Deep knowledge of coagulation, flocculation, membrane processes and disinfection.
• Experience with site commissioning and operational support is valued.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of chemical processes for water treatment.
• Conduct treatability studies, pilot trials, and full-scale evaluations.
• Optimize processes to reduce chemical use and environmental impact.
• Develop PFDs, P&IDs and equipment specs.
• Perform mass and energy balances and hydraulic analyses.
• Ensure compliance with water quality regulations and standards.
• Provide technical support to plants and clients.
• Collaborate with project managers and clients to deliver projects.
• Mentor junior engineers and staff.
• Stay updated with water treatment advances.

Skills

Water treatment

Process design

Project management

Team leadership

Problem solving

Education

Master's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process simulation software

Hydraulic modeling tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in providing innovative water treatment solutions, is looking for a Senior Chemical Engineer to join their dedicated team in Klerksdorp, North West . This role is crucial for the design, implementation, and ongoing optimization of chemical processes used in industrial and municipal water treatment applications. The ideal candidate will possess extensive expertise in water chemistry, separation technologies, and process scale‑up, coupled with a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. You will lead critical projects, ensuring our client delivers effective and efficient water purification solutions. This position offers a challenging yet rewarding opportunity to contribute to vital environmental initiatives within a respected organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of chemical processes for various water treatment applications (e.g., desalination, wastewater treatment, potable water purification).
• Conduct treatability studies, pilot plant trials, and full-scale plant performance evaluations.
• Optimize existing treatment processes to enhance efficiency, reduce chemical consumption, and minimize environmental impact.
• Develop process flow diagrams (PFDs), piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), and equipment specifications.
• Perform mass and energy balance calculations, and hydraulic analyses.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant environmental regulations and industry standards for water quality.
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting for operational plants and clients.
• Collaborate with project managers, construction teams, and clients to ensure successful project delivery.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers and technical staff.
• Stay current with advancements in water treatment technologies and chemical applications.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related environmental science discipline.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in chemical process design and engineering, with a specialization in water treatment.
• In-depth knowledge of water chemistry, coagulation, flocculation, membrane processes, ion exchange, and disinfection techniques.
• Proficiency in process simulation software and hydraulic modeling tools.
• Strong understanding of environmental regulations pertaining to water quality and discharge.
• Excellent problem‑solving, analytical, and project management skills.
• Proven ability to lead technical teams and manage complex projects.
• Effective communication and presentation skills for client interactions and internal reporting.
• Experience with site commissioning and operational support is highly valued.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa .

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, including performance bonuses, comprehensive medical aid, and a provident fund. This role provides excellent opportunities for professional development, with access to advanced training programs and the chance to work on impactful projects that address critical water resource challenges. You will be part of a forward‑thinking team in Klerksdorp, North West , contributing to sustainable solutions in a rapidly growing field. The company fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, supporting employee growth and well-being.