Senior Process Engineer (Chemical) – Hybrid Plant Optimization

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

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.