Senior Chemical Process Engineer

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is sourcing a Senior Chemical Process Engineer for its client in Vereeniging, Gauteng, who will optimize existing processes and develop new ones to enhance safety, efficiency and sustainability.

The role involves collaborating with production, R&D and safety teams, overseeing scale-ups, implementing PSM and contributing to process improvements in a hybrid on-site setting in Vereeniging.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or closely related field.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in chemical process engineering.
• Proven experience in process design, simulation, scale-up, and optimization.
• Strong knowledge of reaction engineering, thermodynamics, fluids, and mass transfer.
• Familiarity with Aspen Plus, HYSYS, ChemCAD and process control systems.
• Excellent communication and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize chemical processes for production of various products.
• Conduct process simulations with Aspen Plus or HYSYS to predict performance.
• Troubleshoot operational issues and minimize downtime.
• Oversee scale-up from lab/pilot to full production.
• Develop and implement process safety management protocols.
• Collaborate with R&D on new product development and process innovation.
• Prepare technical reports, process docs, and operating procedures.
• Provide mentorship to junior engineers and operators.
• Evaluate new technologies to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
• Participate in HAZOP studies and risk assessments.

Skills

Process design

Process simulation

Scale-up

Optimization

Process safety

Project management

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

ChemCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading chemical manufacturing company, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Chemical Process Engineer to join their operations in Vereeniging, Gauteng . This role is crucial for optimizing and improving existing chemical processes, as well as developing new ones to enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in chemical engineering principles, process simulation, scale-up, and troubleshooting. You will work closely with production teams, R&D, and safety officers to ensure processes meet stringent quality and environmental standards. This is an excellent opportunity to make a significant impact on industrial chemical production within a dynamic and forward-thinking organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize chemical processes for the production of various chemical products.
• Conduct process simulations and modeling using software such as Aspen Plus or HYSYS to predict performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex operational issues within the plant, minimizing downtime and ensuring product quality.
• Oversee the scale-up of laboratory or pilot-scale processes to full commercial production.
• Develop and implement process safety management (PSM) protocols, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations.
• Collaborate with R&D teams on new product development and process innovation.
• Prepare technical reports, process documentation, and operating procedures.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and operators.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies and equipment to enhance process efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
• Participate in HAZOP studies and other risk assessment activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a closely related field; Master's degree preferred.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in chemical process engineering within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience in process design, simulation, scale-up, and optimization.
• Strong knowledge of chemical reaction engineering, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and mass transfer.
• Proficiency with process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS, ChemCAD).
• Familiarity with process control systems and instrumentation.
• Excellent understanding of process safety principles and environmental regulations.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments.
• Experience in the chemical, petrochemical, or pharmaceutical industries is highly desirable.

This role requires working on-site in Vereeniging, Gauteng , with a hybrid work model for specific tasks and meetings.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, complemented by comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance. A generous retirement savings plan and performance-based incentives are provided. Employees benefit from significant paid time off, fostering work-life balance. Opportunities for professional growth include access to advanced training programs, workshops, and the chance to attend industry conferences. The company is committed to employee development and offers clear career progression paths. Join a reputable organization and contribute to the innovation and efficiency of chemical manufacturing in Vereeniging .