Senior Process Design Engineer – Petrochemicals (Hybrid)

Placements24; KwaZulu-Natal; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement fund contributions

Professional development

Paid time off

Relocation assistance

International travel

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Senior Process Design Engineer to lead the design and optimization of chemical processes in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. The role supports a hybrid model balancing in-office collaboration with remote productivity, driving safety, efficiency, and environmental compliance.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in process design, proficiency in Aspen Plus/HYSYS, and a P&ID/HAZOP track record.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Minimum 8 years of progressive experience in process design within chemical/petrochemical sectors.
• Proven expertise in process simulation software (Aspen Plus, HYSYS).
• Strong understanding of unit operations, thermodynamics and fluid mechanics.
• Experience with P&ID development, equipment specification, and scale-up.
• Demonstrated leadership and mentoring of engineers; strong communication skills.
• Registered Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) with ECSA or eligible.

Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptual design of chemical processes from pilot to full commercial operation.
• Conduct detailed process simulations, P&ID development and HAZOP studies.
• Perform mass and energy balances, equipment sizing and specification.
• Collaborate with R&D, operations and project management for project execution.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior staff.
• Troubleshoot and optimize existing plant processes to improve yield and safety.
• Ensure designs comply with industry standards and safety protocols.
• Prepare and present technical reports, design reviews and proposals.
• Manage process design aspects of capital projects from feasibility to commissioning.

Skills

Process design

Chemical engineering

Team leadership

Project management

HAZOP

LOPA

P&ID

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

P&ID tooling

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Senior Process Design Engineer to lead the design and optimization of chemical processes in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. The role supports a hybrid model balancing in-office collaboration with remote productivity, driving safety, efficiency, and environmental compliance.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in process design, proficiency in Aspen Plus/HYSYS, and a P&ID/HAZOP track record.