Senior Process Chemical Engineer - Petrochemicals

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid plan

Retirement fund

Professional development opportunities

Relocation support (for exceptional Cn

On-site facilities and leave benefits

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Process Chemical Engineer in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, to lead process design, optimization, and safety initiatives within petrochemical operations.

You will model and optimize processes, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in process engineering within the petrochemical or related chemical industry.
• Extensive experience with process simulation software (Aspen Plus, HYSYS).
• Strong understanding of chemical reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and mass transfer.
• Proficiency in process safety management (PSM) principles and HAZOP studies.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement new chemical processes and optimize existing ones to improve efficiency, yield, and product quality.
• Conduct process simulations and modeling using Aspen Plus and HYSYS to predict performance and identify areas for enhancement.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex operational issues related to chemical processes, equipment, and safety.
• Develop and manage process safety information, including hazard analyses (HAZOP) and risk assessments.
• Collaborate with the engineering and operations teams to ensure successful scale-up of pilot plant processes to full production.
• Monitor KPIs and implement strategies to achieve targets for production, energy consumption, and waste reduction.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, documentation, and operational procedures.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and technicians.
• Stay abreast of latest technological advancements and industry best practices in chemical engineering.

Skills

Process design

Simulation

Troubleshooting

Mentoring

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading player in the chemical manufacturing sector, is seeking a highly experienced and results-oriented Senior Process Chemical Engineer to join their dynamic team in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. This is a critical role where you will be instrumental in optimizing production processes, ensuring safety standards, and driving innovation within our petrochemical operations. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of chemical engineering principles and a proven track record in process design, simulation, and troubleshooting. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, including operations, R&D, and management, to achieve operational excellence and contribute to the company's strategic goals. This position offers a challenging yet rewarding environment for a seasoned professional looking to make a significant impact. We are committed to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and providing opportunities for professional growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement new chemical processes and optimize existing ones to improve efficiency, yield, and product quality.
• Conduct process simulations and modeling using industry-standard software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS) to predict performance and identify areas for enhancement.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex operational issues related to chemical processes, equipment, and safety.
• Develop and manage process safety information, including hazard analyses (HAZOP) and risk assessments.
• Collaborate with the engineering and operations teams to ensure the successful scale-up of pilot plant processes to full production.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and implement strategies to achieve targets for production, energy consumption, and waste reduction.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, documentation, and operational procedures.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and technicians.
• Stay abreast of the latest technological advancements and industry best practices in chemical engineering.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in process engineering within the petrochemical or a related chemical industry.
• Extensive experience with process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS).
• Strong understanding of chemical reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and mass transfer.
• Proficiency in process safety management (PSM) principles and HAZOP studies.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proven ability to lead projects and mentor team members.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively liaise with various stakeholders.
• Registered Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) or equivalent professional accreditation is highly desirable.
• Experience with project management methodologies is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• This includes a comprehensive medical aid plan, a robust retirement fund, and performance-based bonuses.
• Opportunities for professional development, including advanced training and conference attendance, are readily available.
• A supportive work environment that values innovation, teamwork, and individual contribution is guaranteed.
• Employees also benefit from generous leave provisions and access to on-site facilities.
• Relocation assistance may be provided for exceptional candidates.