Senior Process Chemical Engineer

Placements24; George; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Performance-based bonuses

Professional growth opportunities

Access to R&D facilities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Senior Process Chemical Engineer to join a state-of-the-art facility in George, Western Cape. You will lead and mentor a team of engineers in design, development, and optimisation of complex chemical processes.

The role emphasizes process safety, sustainability, and operational excellence, with responsibility for pilot plant oversight, scale-up to production, and collaboration with operations, EHS, and project management.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Chemical Engineering.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in chemical process engineering.
• Senior/lead role experience in engineering teams.
• Experience with HAZOP/LOPA and risk assessment techniques.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and implementation of new chemical processes.
• Provide technical leadership to engineers and staff.
• Oversee pilot plant operations and scale-up to production.
• Conduct PHAs and implement risk mitigation strategies.
• Collaborate with project management, operations, maintenance and EHS.
• Champion process safety and regulatory compliance.
• Mentor and train team members.

Skills

Process design

Scale-up

PHA/LOPA

Leadership

Education

Master's degree or PhD in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

UniSim

Process control

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced and accomplished Senior Process Chemical Engineer to join their state‑of‑the‑art facility located in George, Western Cape. This critical position will involve leading and mentoring a team of engineers in the design, development, and optimisation of complex chemical processes. You will be at the forefront of innovation, driving significant improvements in efficiency, sustainability, and safety across all manufacturing operations. This role demands a strong technical background, exceptional leadership qualities, and a proactive approach to problem‑solving. The successful candidate will play a key role in strategic decision‑making, ensuring our client remains a leader in its field. This is an exciting opportunity to make a substantial impact within a well‑established and respected company.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualisation, design, and implementation of new chemical processes and modifications to existing ones.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to junior engineers and technical staff.
• Oversee pilot plant operations and scale‑up studies, ensuring successful transition to commercial production.
• Conduct in‑depth process hazard analyses (PHAs) and implement risk mitigation strategies.
• Develop and manage process documentation, including P&IDs, PFDs, material and energy balances, and operating manuals.
• Analyse process performance data, identify root causes of deviations, and implement robust solutions for continuous improvement.
• Collaborate closely with project management, operations, maintenance, and EHS departments to ensure project success and operational excellence.
• Champion process safety management (PSM) principles and ensure adherence to all relevant regulations.
• Mentor and train team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and technical expertise.
• Represent the process engineering department in project reviews and cross‑functional meetings.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Chemical Engineering from a recognised university.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in chemical process engineering, with a significant portion in a senior or lead role.
• Proven track record in process design, scale‑up, troubleshooting, and optimisation in a manufacturing environment.
• Expertise in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, UniSim) and advanced process control strategies.
• Deep understanding of chemical engineering principles, including reaction kinetics, separation processes, and thermodynamics.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop engineering talent.
• Excellent report writing, presentation, and communication skills.
• Experience with HAZOP studies, LOPA, and other risk assessment techniques.
• Commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and operational excellence.

Benefits

• An attractive salary package, reflecting the seniority of the role.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Performance‑based bonuses and incentives.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
• Relocation assistance if required.
• A stimulating work environment with challenging projects.
• Access to advanced research and development facilities.