Senior Process Chemical Engineer

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Performance bonus

Professional development

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is assisting a leading chemical company in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, to hire a Senior Process Chemical Engineer. The role focuses on optimizing existing processes, developing new ones, scaling pilot operations, and ensuring safety and compliance in a demanding industrial setting.

You will lead process design, simulations, PFDs/P&IDs, and collaborate with operations, maintenance, and R&D, mentoring junior engineers while driving continuous improvement across manufacturing

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in process engineering within the chemical/petrochemical sector.
• Proven track record in process design, scale-up and troubleshooting of complex systems.
• Strong knowledge of reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics and mass transfer.
• Experience with process simulation software (Aspen Plus, HYSYS) and CAD tools.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; team orientation.
• HAZOP studies and safety management systems experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement new chemical processes and optimize existing ones to improve efficiency, yield, and cost-effectiveness.
• Conduct detailed process simulations and feasibility studies to evaluate improvements and new technologies.
• Oversee pilot plant studies and scale-up operations, ensuring successful transition to full-scale production.
• Develop and maintain PFDs, P&IDs, and other critical process documentation.
• Troubleshoot operational issues, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions to minimize downtime and improve quality.
• Ensure compliance with safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and R&D to achieve project goals.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and staff.

Skills

Process design

Scale-up

Troubleshooting

Kinetics & thermodynamics

PFDs & P&IDs

HAZOP knowledge

Safety systems

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

CAD tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced and motivated Senior Process Chemical Engineer to join their dynamic team based in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal . This role is crucial for optimizing existing chemical processes, developing new ones, and ensuring operational efficiency and safety within a demanding industrial environment. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in driving innovation and continuous improvement across our client's manufacturing operations. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to a leading company in the chemical sector and to work on challenging projects that have a significant impact. The role offers a blend of office-based responsibilities and on-site operational involvement, fostering a collaborative and engaging work atmosphere.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement new chemical processes and optimize existing ones to improve efficiency, yield, and cost-effectiveness.
• Conduct detailed process simulations and feasibility studies to evaluate potential improvements and new technologies.
• Oversee pilot plant studies and scale-up operations, ensuring successful transition to full-scale production.
• Develop and maintain Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), and other critical process documentation.
• Troubleshoot operational issues, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions to minimize downtime and enhance product quality.
• Ensure all process designs and operations comply with relevant safety, health, 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 engineers and technical staff.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in process engineering within the chemical or petrochemical industry.
• Proven track record in process design, scale-up, and troubleshooting of complex chemical systems.
• Strong understanding of chemical reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and mass transfer.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS) and CAD tools.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Experience with HAZOP studies and safety management systems is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of local industry standards and regulations in Richards Bay and the surrounding KwaZulu-Natal region is an advantage.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience and qualifications. In addition to a strong base salary, this position includes comprehensive health insurance, retirement savings plan, performance-based bonuses, and opportunities for professional development and continuous learning. You will have the chance to work on cutting-edge projects within a supportive and innovative environment, with clear pathways for career advancement. Relocation assistance may be available for exceptional candidates relocating to Richards Bay .