Senior Process Chemical Engineer - Industrial Manufacturing

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonuses based on performance

Medical aid

Provident fund

Training & development

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Senior Process Chemical Engineer for their Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal site. The role focuses on designing, optimizing, and safely operating complex chemical processes, with leadership across project teams and mentorship for junior engineers.

You will drive process simulations, feasibility studies, and scale-up activities from laboratory to full-scale production, while ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards in a dynamic industrial environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Minimum 8 years of progressive process engineering experience in the chemical manufacturing sector.
• Strong knowledge of reaction engineering, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics and separation processes.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize chemical processes to improve efficiency, yield, and safety.
• Perform feasibility studies and technical reviews for new process implementations or modifications.
• Develop process documentation including P&IDs, mass/energy balances, and operating procedures.
• Troubleshoot issues, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Lead cross-functional teams and mentor junior staff to ensure project success.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Oversee process scale-up from lab to pilot and full-scale production.

Skills

Problem-solving

Analytical thinking

Leadership

Communication

Education

Chemical engineering degree

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

CAD tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading player in the chemical processing industry, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Process Chemical Engineer to join their dynamic team in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal . This is a pivotal role within the organization, contributing to the design, optimization, and safe operation of complex chemical processes. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of chemical engineering principles and have a proven track record in industrial settings. You will be instrumental in driving innovation and ensuring operational excellence in a challenging and rewarding environment. This position offers a significant opportunity for professional growth and to make a tangible impact on a key industrial hub.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize chemical processes to improve efficiency, yield, and safety.
• Conduct feasibility studies and technical reviews for new process implementations or modifications.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, including P&IDs, mass and energy balances, and operating procedures.
• Troubleshoot process issues, identify root causes, and implement effective corrective actions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including operations, maintenance, and R&D, to ensure seamless project execution and operational continuity.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineering staff.
• Perform process simulations and data analysis to support decision-making.
• Manage and oversee process scale-up activities from laboratory to pilot and full-scale production.

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 manufacturing sector.
• In-depth knowledge of chemical reaction engineering, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and separation processes.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS) and CAD tools.
• Strong understanding of Process Safety Management (PSM) principles.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Proven ability to lead projects and manage cross-functional teams.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present technical information clearly and concisely.
• Experience in hazardous material handling and process safety is highly desirable.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa .

Benefits

Our client offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being and professional development of its employees. This includes a competitive annual salary, performance-based bonuses, comprehensive medical aid and provident fund contributions, and opportunities for continuous training and professional development. You will also have access to a supportive work environment, advanced technological resources, and the chance to be part of a company committed to sustainability and innovation in Pietermaritzburg .