Senior Chemical Process Engineer

Placements24; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Relocation assistance

Paid annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Chemical Process Engineer for its client in Paarl, Western Cape. You will lead the design, optimization, and scale-up of specialty chemical processes, using Aspen Plus and HYSYS to model and improve operations.

You will conduct HAZOPs, implement process safety measures, and mentor junior engineers while collaborating with R&D, safety, and operations to ensure quality, regulatory compliance, and sustainable performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• 7+ years of chemical process engineering experience, preferably in specialty chemicals or petrochemicals.
• Strong knowledge of reaction engineering, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and mass transfer.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (Aspen Plus, HYSYS) and P&ID development.
• Experience with PSM and HAZOP analysis.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot complex process issues and implement solutions.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and optimization of chemical processes for manufacturing specialty chemicals.
• Perform process simulations and modeling using Aspen Plus and HYSYS.
• Conduct HAZOP studies and ensure safety regulation compliance.
• Troubleshoot process issues and implement solutions to improve efficiency and yield.
• Oversee process scale-up from pilot to full-scale production.
• Develop SOPs and process documentation.
• Collaborate with R&D, engineering, and operations on new product introductions and improvements.
• Monitor KPIs and drive continuous improvement strategies.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance.
• Ensure environmental regulations and sustainability best practices are followed.

Skills

Process design

Process simulation

HAZOP analysis

PSM

Distillation

Troubleshooting

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

P&ID

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a global leader in specialty chemicals manufacturing, committed to delivering high-quality products and innovative solutions. We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Chemical Process Engineer to join our core operations team in Paarl, Western Cape. This role is crucial for optimizing existing chemical processes, designing new manufacturing workflows, and ensuring the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of our production facilities. You will work on complex projects involving process simulation, scale-up, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of chemical engineering principles, extensive experience in industrial process design, and a strong commitment to operational excellence. You will collaborate closely with plant operations, R&D, and safety teams to achieve production targets and maintain the highest standards of quality and environmental compliance. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a well-established company with a strong focus on technological advancement and employee development.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and optimization of chemical processes for manufacturing specialty chemicals.
• Perform process simulations and modeling using industry-standard software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS).
• Conduct hazard and operability (HAZOP) studies and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
• Troubleshoot process-related issues and implement effective solutions to improve efficiency and yield.
• Oversee process scale-up activities from pilot plant to full-scale production.
• Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and process documentation.
• Collaborate with R&D, engineering, and operations teams on new product introductions and process improvements.
• Monitor key process performance indicators (KPIs) and implement strategies for continuous improvement.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance.
• Ensure adherence to environmental regulations and sustainability best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in chemical process engineering, preferably in the specialty chemicals or petrochemical industry.
• Strong knowledge of chemical reaction engineering, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and mass transfer.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS) and P&ID development.
• Experience with process safety management (PSM) and HAZOP analysis.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot complex process issues and implement effective solutions.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for collaboration.
• Experience with distillation, reaction, and separation processes is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and expertise.
• Annual performance-based bonus.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund.
• Opportunities for professional development, including advanced training and certifications.
• Exposure to diverse and challenging chemical processes.
• A stable and supportive work environment.
• Generous paid annual leave.
• Relocation assistance may be provided for qualified candidates.