Senior Process Development Engineer - Petrochemicals

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,350,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement fund

Professional development

Paid time off

Modern facilities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Process Development Engineer in Bloemfontein, Free State to drive chemical process innovation and optimization. The role focuses on scaling up processes from lab to commercial scale, ensuring safety and cost efficiency.

You will perform simulations (Aspen Plus, HYSYS) and calculations, lead safety analyses, and collaborate across R&D, operations, and project engineering to deliver robust solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• 7+ years in process development, design and optimization in chemical/petrochemical.
• Proven track record in scaling up processes from concept to commercialization.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and scale up novel chemical processes from lab to pilot to commercial scale.
• Run process simulations and modeling to optimize performance (Aspen Plus, HYSYS).
• Perform mass/energy balances, P&IDs, equipment sizing.
• Lead HAZOP/LOPA studies and implement safety protocols.
• Troubleshoot process issues and implement corrective actions.
• Evaluate new technologies to improve efficiency and sustainability.
• Collaborate with R&D, operations, maintenance, and project engineering.
• Prepare reports and documentation for stakeholders and regulators.

Skills

Process design

Scale-up

HAZOP/LOPA

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

ChemCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a leading player in the petrochemical industry, seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Process Development Engineer to join their dynamic team in Bloemfontein, Free State. This is a critical role focused on driving innovation and efficiency in our client's chemical manufacturing processes. You will be instrumental in developing and optimizing new and existing chemical processes, ensuring they meet stringent safety, environmental, and economic targets. The successful candidate will leverage their deep understanding of chemical engineering principles to solve complex problems, improve yields, and reduce operational costs. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to significant projects within a supportive and forward-thinking environment, impacting the future of chemical production for Our client.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and scale up novel chemical processes from laboratory to pilot plant and commercial scale.
• Conduct thorough process simulations and modeling using industry-standard software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS) to predict and optimize performance.
• Perform detailed engineering calculations, including mass and energy balances, P&IDs development, and equipment sizing.
• Lead hazard identification studies (HAZOP, LOPA) and implement safety protocols to ensure safe plant operations.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex process issues encountered during operations, implementing corrective actions.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies and process improvements to enhance efficiency and sustainability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including R&D, operations, maintenance, and project engineering.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and documentation for internal stakeholders and regulatory bodies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in process development, design, and optimization within the chemical or petrochemical industry.
• Proven track record in scaling up chemical processes from concept to commercialization.
• Proficiency in process simulation and modeling software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS, ChemCAD).
• Strong understanding of unit operations, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and reaction engineering.
• Experience with process safety management (PSM) and hazard analysis techniques (HAZOP, LOPA).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Eligibility to work in South Africa.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive remuneration package, including a performance-based bonus structure. Employees benefit from comprehensive health insurance, a generous retirement fund contribution, and opportunities for continuous professional development and further education. Additional benefits include paid time off, employee assistance programs, and access to state-of-the-art facilities and technologies in Bloemfontein, Free State. This role provides a clear career progression path within Our client's organization, encouraging growth and leadership opportunities.