Senior Process Design Engineer - Petrochemicals

Placements24; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Hybrid work arrangement

Medical aid and retirement fund

Career advancement opportunities

Access to advanced engineering tools

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Process Design Engineer in Johannesburg to lead FEED and detailed design for petrochemical projects. You will develop PFDs, P&IDs, mass and energy balances, and mentor junior engineers in a hybrid work setting balancing site tasks with remote collaboration.

The ideal candidate holds a Chemical Engineering degree with 8+ years in petrochem, is proficient with Aspen Plus, HYSYS or Pro/II, and has PE registration or eligibility.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive experience in process design within petrochemicals.
• FEED and detailed design experience is required.
• Strong knowledge of P&IDs, PFDs, heat and material balances.
• Experience in process safety assessments such as HAZOP.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of process design packages, PFDs and P&IDs for petrochemical plants.
• Perform process simulations using Aspen Plus, HYSYS or Pro/II to optimize performance.
• Develop mass and energy balances, equipment specs and design criteria.
• Conduct HAZOP studies and safety reviews throughout the project lifecycle.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure integrated designs.
• Provide technical support during construction, commissioning and start-up.
• Prepare proposals and cost estimates for new projects.
• Mentor junior engineers and stay updated on industry best practices.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Critical thinking

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Master's degree

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

Pro/II

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in the chemical industry, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Process Design Engineer specializing in petrochemicals. This role is based in Johannesburg, Gauteng , and offers a hybrid work model, balancing crucial site-based engineering tasks with the flexibility of remote work. You will be instrumental in conceptualizing, designing, and optimizing complex process units for new plant constructions and existing facility upgrades. This position demands a deep understanding of chemical engineering principles, simulation software, and a proven track record in front-end engineering design (FEED) and detailed design phases within the petrochemical sector. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker, adept at problem-solving, and committed to safety, efficiency, and innovation in process design. This is a challenging and rewarding opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge projects in a dynamic industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of process design packages, including Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs) and Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) for petrochemical plants.
• Perform process simulations and calculations using industry-standard software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS) to optimize plant performance and ensure operability.
• Develop mass and energy balances, equipment specifications, and process design criteria.
• Conduct Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) studies and other safety reviews throughout the design lifecycle.
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams (mechanical, electrical, control systems) to ensure integrated and efficient plant designs.
• Provide technical support during the construction, commissioning, and start-up phases of projects.
• Develop and review technical proposals and cost estimates for new projects.
• Stay abreast of the latest technological advancements and best practices in petrochemical process engineering.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the technical development of the engineering team.
• Ensure designs comply with all relevant industry standards, codes, and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Master's degree is an advantage.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in process design engineering within the petrochemical or hydrocarbon processing industry.
• Extensive experience with process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS, Pro/II).
• Strong understanding of P&IDs, PFDs, heat and material balances, and equipment design.
• Proven experience in conducting HAZOP studies and other process safety assessments.
• Excellent knowledge of relevant industry codes and standards (e.g., API, ASME).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate within a team and present technical information clearly.
• Experience in a hybrid work environment, demonstrating effective remote collaboration.
• Professional Engineer (PE) registration or eligibility is highly desirable.
• Must be eligible to work in SouthAfrica.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package, benchmarked against industry standards.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility and work-life balance.
• Opportunity to work on significant and challenging petrochemical projects.
• Access to advanced engineering tools and technologies.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and retirement fund.
• Career advancement opportunities within a leading global chemical company.