Senior Chemical Process Design Engineer

Placements24; South Africa; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonuses

Comprehensive medical & retirement_pl➤

Career development opportunities

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Chemical Process Design Engineer to lead conceptualization, design, and development of chemical processes at our Polokwane facility. You will oversee simulations, PFDs/P&IDs, and ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards while coordinating with project teams.

You will mentor junior engineers, participate in HAZOPs, and support commissioning of new plants or modifications, contributing to major industrial projects from a strategic Limpopo base.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in process design and engineering for chemical or related industries.
• Proven expertise in process simulation software (Aspen Plus, Chemcad) and P&ID development.
• Strong understanding of unit operations, reaction engineering, and separation technologies.
• Experience with Process Safety Management (PSM) principles and hazard analysis techniques.
• Excellent project engineering skills, including scope definition, cost estimation, and scheduling.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of process designs from conceptualization through to detailed engineering.
• Perform process simulations, mass and energy balances, and equipment sizing calculations.
• Develop and review Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs) and Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs).
• Ensure designs comply with all relevant codes, standards, safety regulations, and environmental requirements.
• Collaborate with project managers, discipline engineers, and external partners throughout the project lifecycle.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance to junior engineers and design teams.
• Participate in technical reviews, HAZOP studies, and design verification processes.
• Support the commissioning and start-up phases of new plants or process modifications.

Skills

Process design

Project leadership

Engineering knowledge

HAZOP

PSM principles

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

Chemcad

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading multinational chemical company, is seeking an experienced Senior Chemical Process Design Engineer to join their expanding engineering department in Polokwane. This key role will involve leading the conceptualization, design, and development of innovative chemical processes and plant facilities. The ideal candidate will possess a strong technical background in process design, simulation, and project execution. You will play a vital part in ensuring our client's projects meet stringent technical, economic, safety, and environmental criteria. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to significant industrial projects from a strategic location in Polokwane, Limpopo. The role requires a blend of technical expertise, project management skills, and leadership capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of process designs from conceptualization through to detailed engineering.


• Perform process simulations, mass and energy balances, and equipment sizing calculations.


• Develop and review Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs) and Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs).


• Ensure designs comply with all relevant codes, standards, safety regulations, and environmental requirements.


• Collaborate with project managers, discipline engineers, and external partners throughout the project lifecycle.


• Provide technical expertise and guidance to junior engineers and design teams.


• Participate in technical reviews, HAZOP studies, and design verification processes.


• Support the commissioning and start-up phases of new plants or process modifications.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.


• Minimum of 7 years of experience in process design and engineering for chemical or related industries.


• Proven expertise in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, Chemcad) and P&ID development.


• Strong understanding of unit operations, reaction engineering, and separation technologies.


• Experience with Process Safety Management (PSM) principles and hazard analysis techniques.


• Excellent project engineering skills, including scope definition, cost estimation, and scheduling.


• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.


• Ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders effectively.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, performance bonuses, comprehensive medical and retirement plans, and significant opportunities for career advancement and professional development.


• Employees benefit from working on challenging and impactful projects within a supportive and innovative environment.


• The role is based in Polokwane, Limpopo, South Africa.


• This hybrid position offers a balance of on-site work in Polokwane and remote flexibility.