Senior Process Engineer - Bulk Chemicals Production

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Pension fund

Medical aid

Generous annual leave

Paid public holidays

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Senior Process Engineer for a bulk chemicals site in Mahikeng, North West. You will drive design, optimization and safe operation of large‑scale production, focusing on reliability and process safety.

Lead process simulations (Aspen Plus), PFDs/P&IDs, PHAs such as HAZOP, and plant projects; mentor junior engineers and collaborate with operations to boost yield, reduce waste and ensure EHS compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Minimum 8 years in process engineering, with bulk chemicals exposure.
• Proficient in process design, Aspen Plus, and P&ID development.
• Strong knowledge of process safety management (PSM).
• Proven project management experience and delivery track record.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Leadership and communication abilities; Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng) desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and implementation of new chemical processes.
• Optimize processes to increase yield, reduce costs, improve quality.
• Conduct process simulations and economic analyses for projects.
• Develop and review PFDs, P&IDs, equipment specs.
• Lead PHAs such as HAZOP studies.
• Troubleshoot operations, perform root cause analysis, implement corrective actions.
• Manage projects from conception to completion within schedule and budget.
• Ensure compliance with EHS regulations and standards.
• Mentor junior engineers and guide operations staff.
• Stay current with industry best practices in bulk chemical production.

Skills

Process design

Aspen Plus

P&ID development

Process safety

Project management

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major producer of bulk chemicals, is seeking an experienced Senior Process Engineer to join their manufacturing operations in Mahikeng, North West. This role is critical for ensuring the efficiency, safety, and reliability of our large-scale chemical production processes. You will be responsible for process design, optimization, troubleshooting, and leading engineering projects to improve operational performance. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in bulk chemical manufacturing, a deep understanding of process safety, and a proven ability to drive continuous improvement initiatives. Joining our team in Mahikeng means contributing to a stable and essential industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of new chemical processes and process improvements.
• Optimize existing processes to increase yield, reduce costs, and improve product quality.
• Conduct detailed process simulations and economic analyses for proposed projects.
• Develop and review Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), and equipment specifications.
• Lead and participate in Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs) such as HAZOP studies.
• Troubleshoot complex operational problems, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions.
• Manage engineering projects from conception through to completion, ensuring adherence to schedule and budget.
• Ensure compliance with all environmental, health, and safety (EHS) regulations and standards.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance to operations personnel.
• Stay current with industry best practices and emerging technologies in bulk chemical production.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in process engineering, with significant exposure to bulk chemicals manufacturing.
• Strong proficiency in process design, simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus), and P&ID development.
• In-depth knowledge of process safety management (PSM) principles and risk assessment techniques.
• Proven project management experience with a track record of successful project delivery.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng) registration is highly desirable.
• Ability to work effectively in a demanding plant environment.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Company-provided pension fund and medical aid scheme.
• Generous annual leave and paid public holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and career growth.
• Significant impact on large-scale industrial processes.
• Stable employment within a key industrial sector in North West.