Senior Process Development Engineer - Petrochemicals

Placements24; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Professional development opportunities

Competitive compensation

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Process Development Engineer for its Johannesburg, Gauteng-based team. The role emphasizes process design, simulation and scale-up with a petrochemical focus, combining on-site collaboration with remote flexibility to balance project needs and work-life harmony.

The ideal candidate will have 7+ years in process engineering, strong skills in Aspen Plus/HYSYS, and proven experience in PSM/HAZOP, safety, and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of process engineering experience with petrochemical focus.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (Aspen Plus, HYSYS, etc.).
• Strong knowledge of reaction engineering, thermodynamics and fluid dynamics.
• Experience with PSM and HA ZOP hazard analysis.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop, design, and optimize chemical processes with petrochemical focus.
• Conduct process simulations to predict performance and identify improvements.
• Perform feasibility studies and pilot trials for new concepts.
• Troubleshoot complex process-related issues in operations.
• Collaborate with R&D, operations and safety for project execution.
• Prepare technical reports, PFDs and P&IDs.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental and regulatory standards.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to team development.

Skills

Process design

Process simulation

Scale-up

HAZOP

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading chemical processing company, is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Senior Process Development Engineer to join their dynamic team in Johannesburg, Gauteng. This role is crucial for driving innovation and optimizing chemical processes within the organization. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in process design, simulation, and scale-up, with a strong emphasis on petrochemical applications. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge projects and advance your career in a supportive and challenging environment. The position involves both on-site collaboration and remote flexibility, fostering a productive work-life balance.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, design, and optimize chemical processes, focusing on petrochemical feedstocks and products.
• Conduct process simulations using software such as Aspen Plus, HYSYS, or similar, to predict performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Perform feasibility studies and pilot plant trials for new process concepts and technologies.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex process-related issues in existing operations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D, operations, and safety departments, to ensure successful project execution.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, process flow diagrams (PFDs), and piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs).
• Ensure all process designs comply with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the technical development of the team.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in process engineering, with a significant focus on the petrochemical industry.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (Aspen Plus, HYSYS, etc.).
• Strong understanding of chemical reaction engineering, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics.
• Experience with process safety management (PSM) and hazard analysis (HAZOP).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Familiarity with plant operations and scale-up challenges.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements within the chemical industry is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and advanced training.
• A collaborative and innovative work culture.
• Contribution to impactful projects in the vital petrochemical sector.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility.