Senior Process Engineer (Biomass Energy)

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 180,000 - 320,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary package (competitive)

Health insurance

Retirement plan and life cover

Professional development and industry‑

Hybrid work model

Career progression

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Process Engineer based in Bloemfontein to lead design, optimization, and operation of biomass energy conversion facilities. The role demands expertise in chemical/process engineering with biomass experience, and a drive to improve energy output while minimizing environmental impact.

Responsibilities include creating PFDs/P&IDs, troubleshooting, and coordinating with project managers and operators. A hybrid work setup and travel to site locations are expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Chemical or Process Engineering.
• 6+ years in process engineering with biomass focus.
• Experience with biomass feedstock characterization and pre-treatment.
• Knowledge of biomass conversion tech: combustion, gasification, pyrolysis, digestion.
• Proficient in process simulation and CAD tools.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork; willing to travel and hybrid work.

Responsibilities

• Lead design for biomass energy conversion plants including feedstock prep and energy recovery.
• Optimize processes for energy efficiency, yield and reliability.
• Conduct feasibility studies and techno-economic assessments for new projects.
• Develop PFDs, P&IDs and equipment specs.
• Troubleshoot and resolve operational/technical challenges in biomass facilities.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, and quality protocols.
• Collaborate with project managers, construction teams, and plant operators.
• Research and evaluate new technologies for biomass energy production.
• Manage vendor selection and equipment evaluation.
• Prepare technical reports and project documentation.

Skills

Process engineering

Biomass energy

Analytical thinking

Project management

Teamwork

Troubleshooting

Education

BSc or MSc Chemical/Process Engineering

Tools

Aspen HYSYS

CHEMCAD

CAD tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in sustainable bioenergy solutions, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Process Engineer to spearhead the design, optimization, and operation of biomass energy conversion facilities. Based in Bloemfontein , this role is pivotal in developing efficient and environmentally sound processes for generating energy from organic matter. You will be responsible for overseeing process design, troubleshooting operational issues, and implementing improvements to maximize energy output and minimize environmental impact. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in chemical or process engineering, with specialized experience in biomass feedstock handling, conversion technologies (e.g., gasification, combustion, anaerobic digestion), and energy systems. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the burgeoning bioenergy sector in the Free State.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the process design and engineering for biomass energy conversion plants, including feedstock preparation, conversion units, and energy recovery systems.
• Optimize existing processes to improve energy efficiency, yield, and reliability.
• Conduct feasibility studies and techno-economic assessments for new biomass energy projects.
• Develop Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), and equipment specifications.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex operational and technical challenges in biomass processing facilities.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations, safety standards, and quality control protocols.
• Collaborate with project managers, construction teams, and plant operators throughout project lifecycles.
• Research and evaluate new technologies and methodologies for biomass energy production.
• Manage vendor selection and technical evaluation of process equipment.
• Prepare technical reports, operational manuals, and project documentation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in process engineering, with a significant portion dedicated to biomass energy, biofuels, or related renewable energy technologies.
• Proven experience with biomass feedstock characterization, handling, and pre-treatment processes.
• Strong understanding of various biomass conversion technologies such as combustion, gasification, pyrolysis, and anaerobic digestion.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen HYSYS, CHEMCAD) and CAD tools.
• Experience in process troubleshooting, optimization, and debottlenecking in industrial settings.
• Knowledge of environmental regulations and safety best practices in the energy sector.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Must be willing to travel to project sites as needed and adapt to hybrid work arrangements.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package aligned with industry standards for senior roles.
• Comprehensive health insurance, retirement plan, and life cover.
• Opportunities for professional development, training courses, and attending industry conferences.
• Flexible working hours and a hybrid work model to support work-life balance in Bloemfontein .
• The chance to work on innovative projects contributing to sustainable energy solutions.
• A collaborative and dynamic work environment within a growing company.
• Potential for long-term career progression within the bioenergy sector.