Senior Process Design Engineer - Petrochemical Projects

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

provident fund

Performance bonuses

Career development

Job summary

Placements24, on behalf of a leading petrochemical client in Benoni, Gauteng, seeks a Senior Process Design Engineer to lead FEED and detailed design on capital projects. This hybrid role blends on-site collaboration with remote design work in complex facilities.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in petrochemical process design, strong simulation skills (Aspen HYSYS, UniSim), PFDs/P&IDs, and leadership experience. PE registration is a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master’s in Chemical Engineering with relevant professional experience.
• 8+ years in process design engineering for petrochemical or refinery projects.
• Experience with process simulation and design tools; strong safety focus.

Responsibilities

• Lead process design of petrochemical facilities from concept to detailed engineering.
• Develop PFDs, P&IDs, equipment specs, and operating manuals.
• Perform heat/mass balances, hydraulic calculations, and sizing.
• Conduct PHAs/HAZOPs and ensure safety integrated into designs.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation teams.
• Review vendor proposals and support construction and commissioning.

Skills

Process design

Petrochemical

HAZOP

PFDs & P&IDs

Process simulation

Leadership

Project scope management

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen HYSYS

UniSim

Job description

About the Role

About the Role Our client, a leading firm in the petrochemical sector, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Process Design Engineer to contribute to significant capital projects in Benoni, Gauteng . This hybrid role requires a blend of on-site collaboration and remote design work, focusing on the conceptualization, FEED (Front-End Engineering Design), and detailed design of complex petrochemical facilities. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in process design, simulation, and optimization, with a proven ability to lead design teams and manage technical aspects of large-scale projects. You will play a key role in ensuring designs are safe, efficient, economically viable, and environmentally compliant. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned engineer to work on challenging and impactful projects within a dynamic industry. Our client is committed to fostering innovation and professional growth, providing a stimulating environment for engineers to excel. The hybrid model ensures flexibility while maintaining essential team collaboration for project success.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the process design of petrochemical plants, from conceptual studies through to detailed engineering.
• Develop process simulations, PFDs, P&IDs, equipment specifications, and operating manuals.
• Perform heat and material balances, hydraulic calculations, and equipment sizing.
• Conduct process hazard analyses (PHAs), including HAZOP studies, and ensure safety considerations are integrated into designs.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams (mechanical, electrical, instrumentation) to ensure integrated project delivery.
• Review vendor proposals and technical submittals for process-related equipment.
• Provide technical support during the construction and commissioning phases of projects.
• Mentor and guide junior process engineers.
• Ensure designs comply with industry codes, standards, and regulations.
• Evaluate new technologies and propose innovative design solutions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in process design engineering, with a focus on petrochemical or refinery projects.
• Extensive experience with process simulation software (e.g., Aspen HYSYS, UniSim) and design tools.
• Proven experience in developing PFDs, P&IDs, and equipment specifications.
• Strong knowledge of petrochemical processes, unit operations, and safety principles.
• Experience leading HAZOP studies and other safety reviews.
• Excellent technical communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage project scope, schedule, and budget from a design perspective.
• Familiarity with relevant industry codes and standards (e.g., API, ASME).
• Experience in hybrid work environments is beneficial.
• Professional Engineer (PE) registration is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid, a substantial provident fund contribution, and performance bonuses. This hybrid role provides flexibility while offering the chance to work on stimulating, large-scale projects. Employees benefit from significant opportunities for professional development, training programs, and career advancement. Our client values work-life balance and invests in creating a positive and collaborative workplace culture in Benoni . You will be part of a team driving innovation in the energy sector.