Senior Chemical Plant Engineer

Placements24; Rustenburg; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Performance incentives

Training & development

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 in Rustenburg seeks a Senior Chemical Plant Engineer to lead the safe, efficient operation of a major chemical processing facility. You will oversee maintenance, troubleshoot complex process upsets, implement continuous improvement, and ensure compliance with health, safety and environmental standards.

The ideal candidate holds a B.Eng. in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering with at least 6 years' experience in chemical plant operations or maintenance, strong PSM knowledge, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering required.
• Minimum 6 years' experience in chemical plant operations or maintenance.
• Strong knowledge of chemical processes, unit operations and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day chemical plant operations for optimal performance.
• Develop and implement maintenance strategies (preventive & predictive).
• Lead troubleshooting for process upsets and equipment failures with effective solutions.
• Manage plant shutdowns and turnarounds with planning and execution.
• Ensure compliance with HSE regulations and company policies.
• Identify and implement process improvement projects for safety and efficiency.
• Supervise and mentor junior engineers and plant operators.
• Review and approve technical procedures and modifications to equipment.
• Collaborate with engineering, procurement and construction on capital projects.
• Monitor plant performance metrics and report to management.

Skills

PSM

Troubleshooting

Project management

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

DCS

CMMS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the mining and chemicals sector, is actively seeking a seasoned Senior Chemical Plant Engineer to join their operational hub in Rustenburg . This role is crucial for ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of our client's chemical processing plant. You will be responsible for overseeing plant maintenance, troubleshooting complex operational issues, implementing continuous improvement initiatives, and ensuring strict adherence to safety and environmental regulations. The ideal candidate will possess extensive hands‑on experience in chemical plant operations, a strong understanding of mechanical and process systems, and a proactive approach to problem‑solving. This is a significant opportunity to contribute to a major industrial operation in the heart of the North West province, working on essential chemical production processes. Your expertise will be key to maintaining high operational standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the chemical plant, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency.
• Develop and implement robust maintenance strategies (preventive, predictive) for plant equipment.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts for process upsets and equipment failures, implementing effective solutions.
• Manage plant shutdowns and turnarounds, ensuring efficient planning and execution.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental (HSE) regulations and company policies.
• Identify and implement process improvement projects to enhance safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Supervise and mentor junior engineers and plant operators.
• Review and approve technical procedures and modifications to plant equipment.
• Collaborate with engineering, procurement, and construction teams on capital projects.
• Monitor plant performance metrics and generate regular reports for management.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering.
• Minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in a chemical plant operational or maintenance role.
• Strong knowledge of chemical processes, unit operations, and associated equipment (e.g., pumps, compressors, reactors, heat exchangers).
• Proven experience with process safety management (PSM) and risk assessment methodologies.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills, with a data-driven approach.
• Experience in project management and coordinating maintenance activities.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Proficiency in relevant software, including process control systems (DCS) and CMMS.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Certification in relevant safety procedures is an asset.

Benefits

• Our client provides a competitive salary package, reflective of your expertise and experience in the field.
• This includes comprehensive medical aid, a provident fund, and performance incentives.
• We believe in investing in our employees' professional development, offering continuous training opportunities, workshops, and support for further qualifications.
• The role is based in Rustenburg , offering a chance to work within a vital industrial sector.
• We foster a collaborative and safety-conscious work environment.
• Relocation assistance is available for candidates relocating to Rustenburg .
• Join a company that values operational excellence and employee well-being.