Senior Process Engineer (Chemical)

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Retirement benefits

Performance bonuses

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Process Engineer for our client in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. You will optimize chemical processes, design PFDs and P&IDs, and lead safety analyses to ensure efficient, safe operations.

The role requires strong simulation skills (Aspen Plus, HYSYS), experience in petrochemicals, and a proactive, collaborative approach to drive improvements across operations and safety teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering (or related field).
• Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum 6 years of process engineering experience in chemical/petrochemical industries.
• Proficiency with process simulation software like Aspen Plus or HYSYS.
• Strong thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and heat transfer knowledge.
• Experience with PSM and HAZOP studies.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and optimize existing chemical processes to improve yield and safety.
• Develop PFDs and P&IDs for new installations and modifications.
• Perform process simulations to evaluate performance and identify improvements.
• Troubleshoot operating issues and implement corrective actions.
• Lead PHAs such as HAZOP to ensure plant safety.
• Manage small to mid-sized process improvement projects from concept to commissioning.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance and safety teams.
• Stay updated with industry best practices and new technologies.

Skills

Proficient in process simulation

Thermodynamics

Fluid mechanics

Heat transfer principles

PSM/HAZOP experience

Analytical/problem-solving

Communication and teamwork

Hybrid work adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Master's degree (advantage)

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in the petrochemical industry, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Process Engineer to join their operations in **Richards Bay**, **KwaZulu-Natal**, **ZA**. This role is crucial for optimizing and ensuring the efficiency, safety, and environmental compliance of our chemical processing plants. You will be involved in process design, troubleshooting, debottlenecking, and the implementation of new technologies. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a major industrial operation and develop your expertise in a challenging and rewarding environment. The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining and improving our operational performance and ensuring we meet stringent industry standards. We are looking for a proactive individual with a strong analytical mindset and a commitment to operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• - Analyze and optimize existing chemical processes to improve yield, reduce energy consumption, and enhance safety.
• - Develop process flow diagrams (PFDs) and piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs) for new installations and modifications.
• - Conduct process simulations using industry-standard software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS) to evaluate performance and identify improvements.
• - Troubleshoot operational issues, identify root causes, and implement effective corrective actions.
• - Lead process hazard analyses (PHAs) such as HAZOP studies to ensure plant safety.
• - Manage small to medium-sized process improvement projects, from conceptualization to commissioning.
• - Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and safety teams to ensure seamless plant operation.
• - Stay current with industry best practices and emerging technologies in chemical process engineering.

Requirements

• - Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field. A Master's degree is a plus.
• - Minimum of 6 years of experience in process engineering within the chemical or petrochemical industry.
• - Proficiency in process simulation software.
• - Strong understanding of chemical thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer principles.
• - Experience with process safety management (PSM) and HAZOP studies.
• - Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• - Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
• - Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, with a requirement for on-site presence for plant operations and analysis.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical and retirement benefits, performance bonuses, and professional development opportunities. This role provides a platform for significant career growth within a leading industrial organization. You will have the opportunity to work on critical infrastructure in **Richards Bay**, **KwaZulu-Natal**, **ZA**, contributing directly to the company's success and the **Chemical Engineering** sector.