Senior Process Engineer

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Annual leave

Training & certifications

Work-life balance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Process Engineer for our Soweto, Gauteng facility to lead design, optimization and troubleshooting of complex chemical processes, delivering safe and efficient operations.

You will develop process simulations, conduct feasibility studies, and mentor junior engineers while collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related discipline.
• 7+ years in process engineering, preferably Oil & Gas, petrochemical or chemical manufacturing.
• Proficiency with process simulation software (Aspen HYSYS, Aspen Plus, UniSim).
• Strong thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer and mass transfer.
• Experience in process design, P&ID development, and equipment specification.
• Knowledge of process safety principles and hazard analysis techniques (HAZOP).
• Registered Professional Engineer (PrEng) with ECSA is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize PFDs and P&IDs.
• Perform process simulations and design calculations.
• Conduct feasibility studies and conceptual design for new projects and plant modifications.
• Troubleshoot process-related issues in operations.
• Ensure designs comply with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Specify process equipment (pumps, compressors, heat exchangers, reactors).
• Collaborate with project managers and other engineering disciplines.
• Prepare technical reports, specifications, and commissioning procedures.
• Provide technical support during construction and commissioning.
• Mentor junior process engineers and contribute to team development.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Process simulation

PFD & P&ID design

Hazard analysis

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen HYSYS

Aspen Plus

UniSim

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the petrochemical and energy sector, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Process Engineer to join their team in Soweto, Gauteng . This role is integral to the design, optimization, and troubleshooting of complex chemical processes within their facilities. The Senior Process Engineer will be responsible for developing process simulations, conducting feasibility studies, and ensuring that all engineering designs meet stringent safety, environmental, and operational standards. You will work closely with other engineering disciplines, operations, and project management teams to deliver innovative solutions and improve plant efficiency and reliability. We are committed to fostering a safe, collaborative, and growth-oriented work environment within the Oil & Gas and chemical industries. This position offers a significant opportunity to contribute to the success of major industrial operations. The role is based at our Soweto facility, emphasizing hands‑on involvement and team collaboration. Your expertise will be crucial in driving operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize process flow diagrams (PFDs) and piping & instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs).
• Perform process simulations and design calculations using industry-standard software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS).
• Conduct feasibility studies and conceptual design for new projects and plant modifications.
• Troubleshoot and resolve process-related issues in existing operations.
• Ensure process designs comply with safety (HAZOP), environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Specify process equipment, including pumps, compressors, heat exchangers, and reactors.
• Collaborate with project managers and other engineering disciplines (mechanical, electrical, structural) to ensure integrated project delivery.
• Prepare technical reports, specifications, and commissioning procedures.
• Provide technical support during the construction and commissioning phases of projects.
• Mentor junior process engineers and contribute to the team's technical development.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives to enhance plant efficiency, safety, and reliability.
• Stay abreast of new process technologies and industry best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in process engineering, preferably within the Oil & Gas , petrochemical, or chemical manufacturing industries.
• Proficiency with process simulation software (e.g., Aspen HYSYS, Aspen Plus, UniSim).
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and mass transfer.
• Experience in process design, P&ID development, and equipment specification.
• Knowledge of process safety principles and hazard analysis techniques (e.g., HAZOP).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision‑making skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team.
• This is a non-remote position requiring presence in Soweto, Gauteng .
• Experience with process control and instrumentation is an advantage.
• Registered Professional Engineer (PrEng) with ECSA is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance bonus.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Generous annual leave and holiday allowances.
• Significant opportunities for professional development, training, and certifications.
• Exposure to large-scale, complex industrial projects.
• A dynamic and supportive work environment in Soweto .
• Career advancement opportunities within a leading industrial company.
• Employee wellness programs and focus on work-life balance.
• Access to advanced engineering tools and technologies.
• Contribution to vital industrial infrastructure and energy supply.