Senior Chemical Process Design Engineer

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 1,300,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Senior Chemical Process Design Engineer for a hybrid role in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. You will lead the design and development of chemical processes and equipment, creating PFDs, P&IDs, and energy/mass balances while ensuring compliance with codes, standards, and safety regulations.

You will utilize Aspen HYSYS/CHEMCAD for design analysis, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with project teams and clients to deliver successful projects.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in chemical process design and engineering.
• Experience leading design projects for chemical plants or related facilities.
• Expertise in process simulation and modeling software.
• In-depth knowledge of industry codes and standards (e.g., ASME, API).
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and team leadership skills.
• Professional Engineer (PrEng) registration is highly advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of chemical processes and equipment from conceptualization through to detailed engineering.
• Prepare PFDs, P&IDs, and mass/energy balances.
• Perform equipment sizing and specification, including reactors, heat exchangers, pumps, and distillation columns.
• Utilize process simulation software (e.g., Aspen HYSYS, CHEMCAD) for design and analysis.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant industry codes, standards, and safety regulations.
• Conduct feasibility studies and techno-economic evaluations for new projects.
• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and clients to define project requirements.
• Oversee procurement, construction, and commissioning phases.
• Troubleshoot design issues and provide technical support during project execution.
• Mentor junior process engineers and review their design work.

Skills

Lead design

Process simulation

Project management

Team leadership

Education

Master's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen HYSYS

CHEMCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent engineering firm specializing in the chemical and process industries, is seeking an experienced Senior Chemical Process Design Engineer to join their multidisciplinary team in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga . This role is pivotal in the conceptualization, design, and development of innovative chemical process plants and systems for a diverse range of clients. You will lead design projects, ensuring technical excellence, adherence to specifications, and compliance with safety and environmental standards. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in process engineering principles, extensive experience with design software, and excellent project management capabilities. This hybrid role allows for flexibility while ensuring close collaboration with project teams and clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of chemical processes and equipment from conceptualization through to detailed engineering.
• Prepare Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), and mass/energy balances.
• Perform equipment sizing and specification, including reactors, heat exchangers, pumps, and distillation columns.
• Utilize process simulation software (e.g., Aspen HYSYS, CHEMCAD) for design and analysis.
• Ensure designs comply with all relevant industry codes, standards, and safety regulations.
• Conduct feasibility studies and techno-economic evaluations for new projects.
• Collaborate with project managers, engineers from other disciplines, and clients to define project requirements.
• Oversee the technical aspects of procurement, construction, and commissioning phases.
• Troubleshoot design issues and provide technical support during project execution.
• Mentor junior process engineers and review their design work.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in chemical process design and engineering.
• Demonstrated experience in leading design projects for chemical plants or related facilities.
• Expertise in process simulation and modeling software.
• In-depth knowledge of industry codes and standards (e.g., ASME, API).
• Strong understanding of process safety principles and risk assessment techniques.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and team leadership skills.
• Proficiency in project management and documentation control.
• Professional Engineer (PrEng) registration is highly advantageous.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid, a retirement fund, and professional development opportunities. This hybrid role based in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga , provides a dynamic work environment with exposure to a variety of challenging projects. You will have the opportunity to work with a talented team and contribute to significant engineering endeavors. We support continuous learning and provide resources for staying at the forefront of process design technology. Potential for career growth within a respected engineering consultancy is excellent.