Senior Chemical Process Optimization Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Life insurance

Career development

Hybrid work

Sandton location

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Chemical Process Optimization Engineer for its Sandton, Gauteng base. The role focuses on driving continuous improvement, enhancing efficiency, and reducing costs through advanced data analysis, modeling, and APC/SPC strategies.

The position requires a Master's in Chemical Engineering, 7+ years in process optimization, and strong leadership. Hybrid work combines remote planning with on-site collaboration in the Sandton area.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or related quantitative field.
• 7+ years in process engineering focusing on optimization and continuous improvement.
• Proficiency in Aspen Plus or HYSYS and data analysis tools (Python, R, JMP, Minitab).
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, kinetics, and transport phenomena.
• Experience implementing APC and SPC strategies.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Hybrid work environment in Sandton.

Responsibilities

• Lead process optimization projects to improve plant performance.
• Analyze large datasets to identify trends and bottlenecks using statistics.
• Develop and apply APC and SPC strategies.
• Use process simulation to evaluate optimization scenarios.
• Conduct techno-economic assessments for projects.
• Collaborate with engineers, operations, and R&D teams.
• Develop and maintain optimization models and documentation.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians.
• Stay updated on new tech and best practices in analytics.
• Prepare detailed reports and presentations for management.

Skills

Process optimization

Data analysis

Leadership

Problem solving

Education

Master's in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

Python

R

JMP

Minitab

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major diversified chemical manufacturer, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Chemical Process Optimization Engineer to join their team based in **Sandton, Gauteng**. This role is crucial for driving continuous improvement initiatives across the company's operations, focusing on enhancing efficiency, reducing operating costs, improving product quality, and ensuring environmental sustainability. You will utilize advanced data analysis techniques, process modeling, and simulation to identify and implement optimization strategies. The successful candidate will possess a strong analytical mindset, excellent problem-solving skills, and a proven track record in process improvement within the chemical industry. This position offers a Hybrid work model, combining strategic planning and analysis from home with essential on-site collaboration and plant visits in and around **Sandton**.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the identification and implementation of process optimization projects to improve plant performance.
• Analyze large datasets from plant operations to identify trends, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement using statistical methods.
• Develop and apply advanced process control (APC) strategies and statistical process control (SPC).
• Utilize process simulation and modeling software to evaluate optimization scenarios and predict outcomes.
• Conduct techno-economic assessments for proposed optimization projects.
• Collaborate with plant engineers, operations personnel, and R&D teams to implement improvements.
• Develop and maintain process optimization models and documentation.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians in process improvement methodologies.
• Stay abreast of new technologies and best practices in process optimization and data analytics.
• Prepare detailed reports and presentations on optimization initiatives and results for management.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related quantitative field.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in process engineering with a specific focus on optimization, data analysis, and continuous improvement.
• Advanced proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS) and data analysis tools (e.g., Python, R, JMP, Minitab).
• Strong understanding of chemical thermodynamics, kinetics, and transport phenomena.
• Proven experience in implementing APC and SPC strategies.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and statistical modeling skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders.
• Demonstrated leadership ability and experience mentoring team members.
• Ability to work effectively in a Hybrid environment, balancing remote and on-site responsibilities in the Sandton area.
• Experience in chemical manufacturing is essential.

Benefits

• An excellent annual salary of ZAR .
• Comprehensive health insurance, retirement fund, and life insurance.
• Significant opportunities for career growth and professional development.
• A stimulating work environment with a focus on innovation and sustainability.
• Flexible Hybrid working arrangements supporting work-life balance in Sandton.