Senior Petrochemical Process Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Life insurance

Retirement fund

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Senior Petrochemical Process Engineer for a Durban-based role with a major petrochemical company. You will analyze process data, optimize refining operations, and lead debottlenecking projects to improve yield, energy efficiency, and safety.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering, at least 6 years in process engineering within petrochem, and proficiency with HYSYS or PRO/II.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 6 years in process engineering within petrochemical/oil & gas sectors.
• Strong knowledge of refining processes, thermodynamics, and heat transfer.
• Experience with process simulation software and control systems is desirable.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot, optimize, and perform hazard analyses.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills, detail oriented.
• Able to work independently and in a team in a demanding industrial setting.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze plant operations to identify inefficiencies and deviations.
• Develop and implement optimization strategies to improve yield and energy use.
• Conduct root cause analyses for upsets and equipment failures with corrective actions.
• Perform design calculations, simulations, and feasibility studies for modifications.
• Ensure compliance with safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and project teams on turnarounds and capital projects.
• Provide technical guidance to operators and technicians; prepare reports and training materials.

Skills

Process optimization

Process troubleshooting

Hazard analysis

Data analysis

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

HYSYS

PRO/II

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the petrochemical industry, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Petrochemical Process Engineer to join their operational team in Durban. This role is critical for ensuring the optimal performance, safety, and efficiency of our client's refining and chemical processing units. The successful candidate will be responsible for analyzing process data, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing solutions that enhance productivity and reduce operational costs. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to a leading organization in Durban, working with complex industrial processes and driving operational excellence. The position demands a rigorous approach to engineering and a commitment to safety and environmental standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze plant operations to identify and resolve process inefficiencies and deviations.
• Develop and implement process optimization strategies to improve yield, energy efficiency, and product quality.
• Conduct root cause analyses for process upsets and equipment failures, recommending corrective actions.
• Perform process design calculations, simulations, and feasibility studies for plant modifications and debottlenecking projects.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and project engineering teams to support plant turnaround activities and capital projects.
• Provide technical support and guidance to plant operators and technicians.
• Prepare technical reports, operational guidelines, and training materials.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in process engineering within the petrochemical, oil & gas, or chemical manufacturing sectors.
• Strong understanding of refining processes, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and heat transfer.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., HYSYS, PRO/II) and process control systems is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated experience in process troubleshooting, optimization, and hazard analysis.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team in a demanding industrial environment.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, including a performance-based incentive plan and extensive benefits such as comprehensive medical aid, life insurance, and a robust retirement fund.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous training are provided, including support for professional certifications.
• Employees enjoy a stable work environment with a strong safety culture and the chance to work on challenging and impactful projects.

This role is based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This is an onsite position in Durban.