Senior Process Chemist - Petrochemicals

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration package

Medical aid and retirement fund

Professional development opportunities

Relocation assistance

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Process Chemist for a Richards Bay facility in KwaZulu-Natal. The role focuses on optimizing and troubleshooting chemical processes to improve efficiency, safety, and product quality.

You will collaborate with production, R&D, and engineering teams to scale up processes, evaluate catalysts, and ensure regulatory compliance. A strong background in process engineering and DoE is essential.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in process chemistry or chemical engineering within the petrochemical or related chemical industry.
• Strong knowledge of reaction engineering, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and separation processes.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and scale-up chemical processes for petrochemical products.
• Analyze process data to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement in yield and energy use.
• Troubleshoot operational issues and implement solutions to maintain plant reliability and product quality.
• Conduct laboratory and pilot-scale experiments to evaluate catalysts, reagents, and process conditions.
• Design and execute DoE experiments to optimize process parameters.

Skills

Process optimization

Scale-up expertise

Data analysis

Team mentorship

Problem solving

Education

PhD/MSc in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the petrochemical industry, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Process Chemist for their facility in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal . This is a critical role responsible for optimizing and troubleshooting chemical processes to enhance efficiency, safety, and product quality. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of chemical engineering principles, reaction kinetics, and separation technologies relevant to the petrochemical sector. You will work closely with production teams, R&D, and engineering departments to identify opportunities for process improvement, scale-up new chemical products, and ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations. This position offers the chance to make a significant impact on industrial-scale chemical operations and contribute to the sustainable development of the company's product portfolio. We are looking for a problem-solver with a meticulous approach and a passion for chemical process optimization.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and scale-up chemical processes for the production of various petrochemical products.
• Analyze process data to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement in yield, energy consumption, and waste reduction.
• Troubleshoot operational issues and implement effective solutions to maintain plant reliability and product quality.
• Conduct laboratory and pilot-scale experiments to evaluate new catalysts, reagents, and process conditions.
• Design and execute experiments using statistical methods (e.g., Design of Experiments - DoE) to optimize process parameters.
• Ensure all processes comply with relevant safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with engineering teams on process design, equipment selection, and plant modifications.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, process documentation, and operational procedures.
• Mentor junior chemists and process engineers, sharing expertise and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Stay current with advancements in chemical process technology and industry best practices.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in process chemistry or chemical engineering within the petrochemical or related chemical industry.
• Strong knowledge of reaction engineering, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and separation processes.
• Proven experience in process optimization, scale-up, and troubleshooting of industrial chemical plants.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS) is highly desirable.
• Experience with analytical techniques for process monitoring and quality control.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and data interpretation skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety and environmental stewardship.
• Experience working in the Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal region is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive remuneration package, including an attractive annual salary and performance-based incentives.
• Employees are provided with comprehensive medical aid, retirement fund contributions, and life assurance benefits.
• The company invests in employee growth through training programs, professional development opportunities, and support for further education.
• Generous paid time off is provided, including vacation leave, sick leave, and public holidays.
• This role is based at our state-of-the-art facility in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal.
• Additional benefits include potential for relocation assistance, subsidized on-site amenities, and opportunities for career advancement within a leading global organization.
• We are committed to fostering a safe and inclusive working environment.