Senior Process Chemical Engineer - Optimization & Innovation

Placements24; KwaZulu-Natal; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Process Chemical Engineer to join its client’s team in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. The candidate will optimize complex chemical processes, ensuring efficiency, safety, and environmental compliance while driving innovation.

The role blends on-site problem solving with strategic planning and growth within a reputable organization. The ideal candidate has a strong analytical mindset with 7+ years of process engineering experience in the chemical industry, preferably

Qualifications

• B.Eng or B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from a recognized university.
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in process engineering within the chemical industry, preferably in petrochemicals.
• Experience with process simulation software such as Aspen Plus or HYSYS.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and mass transfer.

Responsibilities

• Develop, design, and optimize chemical processes to improve yield, efficiency, and product quality.
• Conduct detailed process simulations and economic evaluations for new and existing operations.
• Troubleshoot operational issues, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure all process designs and operations comply with safety regulations, environmental standards, and company policies.
• Prepare technical reports, specifications, and operating procedures.
• Collaborate with R&D, operations, and maintenance teams to implement process improvements.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers.
• Manage process engineering projects from conception through to implementation.
• Monitor process performance metrics and identify areas for continuous improvement.
• Participate in HAZOP studies and other risk assessment activities.

Skills

Process optimization

Process simulations

Root cause analysis

Safety compliance

Mentorship

Project management

Education

B.Eng or B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

Job description

Placements24 seeks a Senior Process Chemical Engineer to join its client’s team in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. The candidate will optimize complex chemical processes, ensuring efficiency, safety, and environmental compliance while driving innovation.

The role blends on-site problem solving with strategic planning and growth within a reputable organization. The ideal candidate has a strong analytical mindset with 7+ years of process engineering experience in the chemical industry, preferably