Senior Petrochemical Process Engineer - Pietermaritzburg

Placements24

KwaZulu-Natal

On-site

ZAR 1,100,000 - 1,500,000

Full time

2 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonus structure

Medical aid

Provident fund

On-site canteen

CPD opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal is seeking a Senior Process Engineer with a strong petrochemical background to optimize plant operations and drive safety and innovation. The role focuses on chemical reactions, thermodynamics, and process control in a sophisticated manufacturing environment.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in chemical process engineering, a degree in Chemical Engineering, and hands-on experience with Aspen Plus or HYSYS.

Qualifications

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering from an accredited institution.
Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in chemical process engineering, with a significant focus on the petrochemical sector.
Proven experience with process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS).
Strong understanding of unit operations, reaction kinetics, and separation technologies.
Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills.
Proficiency in P&ID and PFD development and interpretation.
Familiarity with process safety management (PSM) principles and hazardous area classifications.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
Registered Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng) or eligibility for registration is highly advantageous.

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and implement new chemical processes and optimize existing ones to improve efficiency, yield, and safety.
Conduct feasibility studies and economic evaluations for proposed projects and process modifications.
Develop and maintain Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), and other essential engineering documentation.
Perform process simulations using industry-standard software to predict performance and identify potential issues.
Troubleshoot and resolve complex operational problems, ensuring minimal downtime and maximum productivity.
Ensure all process designs and operations comply with relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations.
Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including operations, maintenance, and R&D, to achieve project goals.
Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineering staff.
Manage project timelines and budgets effectively for assigned tasks and smaller projects.