Senior Chemical Process Designer

Placements24; George; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Pension fund

Life insurance

Relocation to George

International training

Annual leave

Work-life balance

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Chemical Process Designer to lead the design and optimization of chemical processes for new plants and upgrades in George, Western Cape. You will develop PFDs, P&IDs, mass/energy balances, and equipment specs to deliver safe, efficient, and compliant designs.

The ideal candidate has a Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering with 10+ years of experience and strong process simulation skills (Aspen Plus, HYSYS). Relocation support to George is available.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering required.
• 10+ years of progressive chemical process design experience.
• Expertise in process simulation and modeling software.
• Strong knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat/mass transfer.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of process designs from conceptual stage through to detailed engineering for chemical plants.
• Prepare and review PFDs and P&IDs.
• Perform mass and energy balances and hydraulic calculations for process streams.
• Specify and select major process equipment (reactors, heat exchangers, pumps, distillation columns).
• Conduct process simulations using industry-standard software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS).
• Perform process safety reviews and hazard analyses (e.g., HAZOP).
• Ensure designs comply with codes, standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with project managers, procurement, and construction teams for successful delivery.
• Provide technical support during commissioning and start-up; mentor junior engineers.

Skills

Team leadership

Process design

Documentation

Project management

Education

Master's/PhD in Chemical Engineering

PrEng or equivalent (advantage)

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

PFD/P&ID tools

Job description

About the Role Our client, a prominent leader in specialty chemical production, is seeking an experienced Senior Chemical Process Designer to join their innovative engineering department in George, Western Cape . This pivotal role involves leading the conceptualization, design, and optimization of chemical processes for new plant construction and existing facility upgrades. You will be at the forefront of developing efficient, safe, and environmentally sound process solutions that meet stringent industry standards and business objectives. The ideal candidate will have a strong track record in detailed process design, P&ID development, equipment specification, and process simulation, with a keen eye for operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of chemical manufacturing in the region, working on challenging and rewarding projects. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including R&D, operations, and project management, to ensure seamless project execution from inception to commissioning. Our client is committed to fostering a culture of innovation and excellence, providing a stimulating environment for talented engineers to thrive and make a significant impact in South Africa 's industrial landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of process designs from conceptual stage through to detailed engineering for chemical plants.
• Prepare and review Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs) and Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs).
• Perform mass and energy balances, and hydraulic calculations for process streams.
• Specify and select major process equipment, including reactors, heat exchangers, pumps, and distillation columns.
• Conduct process simulations using industry-standard software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS).
• Perform process safety reviews and hazard analyses (e.g., HAZOP) as part of the design process.
• Ensure designs comply with all relevant engineering codes, standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with project managers, procurement, and construction teams to ensure successful project delivery.
• Provide technical support during the commissioning and start-up phases of new facilities.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the development of best practices in process design.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in chemical process design and engineering.
• Demonstrated expertise in process simulation and modeling software.
• In-depth knowledge of chemical engineering principles, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat/mass transfer.
• Experience with project lifecycle management, from feasibility studies to detailed design and execution.
• Strong understanding of process safety principles and risk assessment methodologies.
• Excellent technical documentation and communication skills.
• Proven ability to lead design teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience in the specialty chemicals sector is highly desirable.
• Registered Professional Engineer (PrEng) or equivalent is a plus.

Benefits

• Highly competitive annual salary with potential for performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid plan including family coverage.
• Generous pension fund contributions.
• Long-term disability and life insurance coverage.
• Significant opportunities for career advancement and international training.
• Annual leave allowance plus company holidays.
• Access to state-of-the-art design tools and technologies.
• Relocation package for candidates relocating to George, Western Cape .
• Exposure to diverse and challenging chemical manufacturing projects.
• A strong emphasis on work-life balance and employee well-being.