Senior Process Design Engineer – Chemical & Petrochemical

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a seasoned Process Design Engineer for Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. You will lead conceptual to detailed design, performing simulations, sizing equipment, and creating P&IDs to deliver safe, scalable chemical processes.

You will collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and civil teams, apply HAZOP/SIL methodologies, and ensure compliance with global standards while driving innovation on major projects.

Qualifications

• MSc or BEng in Chemical Engineering from a reputable university.
• A minimum of 8 years of proven experience in process design engineering within petrochemical or related chemical industries.
• Expertise in process simulation software (Aspen HYSYS, Pro/II) and CAD tools.
• Strong knowledge of unit operations, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics.
• Thorough understanding of process safety principles and methodologies (HAZOP, SIL).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills for stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet project deadlines.
• Experience with global engineering standards and practices is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead process designs from conceptualization through to detailed engineering.
• Conduct rigorous process simulations, mass and energy balance calculations, and equipment sizing.
• Prepare and review P&IDs, plot plans, and equipment layouts.
• Specify major process equipment, including reactors, columns, heat exchangers, and pumps.
• Perform process safety reviews, including HAZOP studies, and ensure designs meet safety standards.
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams (mechanical, electrical, civil) and project management.
• Ensure designs comply with all applicable codes, standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Evaluate new technologies and propose innovative design solutions.
• Provide technical support during the construction and commissioning phases of projects.

Skills

Process design

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder communication

Multitasking

Project management

Education

MSc or BEng in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen HYSYS

Pro/II

CAD tools

Job description

Placements24 seeks a seasoned Process Design Engineer for Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. You will lead conceptual to detailed design, performing simulations, sizing equipment, and creating P&IDs to deliver safe, scalable chemical processes.

You will collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and civil teams, apply HAZOP/SIL methodologies, and ensure compliance with global standards while driving innovation on major projects.