Senior Process Engineer - Chemical Manufacturing

Placements24; Noord-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Disability insurance

Retirement plan

Performance-based bonuses

Professional development

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 in Kimberley, Northern Cape seeks a Senior Process Engineer to lead optimization of chemical production, improve yield and safety, and ensure regulatory compliance.

You will develop process control strategies, mentor engineers, and collaborate with R&D, production and maintenance to scale new processes and deliver cost reductions.

The role requires strong analytical skills, leadership, and a track record in process improvement within a chemical plant.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• 7+ years of experience in chemical process engineering.
• Proficiency in process simulation software and P&ID development.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and optimize existing chemical processes to improve efficiency, yield and product quality.
• Design and implement new process technologies and equipment upgrades.
• Develop and maintain process control strategies and P&ID diagrams.
• Troubleshoot upsets, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Conduct PHAs and ensure safety and environmental compliance.
• Monitor process data using SPC to identify trends and improvements.
• Collaborate with R&D, production and maintenance on scale-up and implementation.
• Prepare technical reports and capital expenditure proposals for improvements.

Skills

Process optimization

Statistical analysis

Process control

Root cause analysis

Mentoring

Leadership

Data analysis

Education

Bachelors or Masters in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

P&ID development

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the chemical manufacturing industry, is seeking an experienced Senior Process Engineer to join their operations in Kimberley, Northern Cape . This role is critical for optimizing and ensuring the efficiency, safety, and quality of chemical production processes. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of chemical engineering principles, process control, and statistical analysis, with a proven track record in process improvement and troubleshooting within a chemical plant environment. You will be responsible for designing, implementing, and monitoring process changes to enhance yield, reduce costs, and maintain compliance with stringent safety and environmental regulations. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to operational excellence and innovation in a vital industrial sector. The role requires strong analytical capabilities, leadership skills, and a commitment to driving continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze and optimize existing chemical manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, yield, and product quality.
• Design and implement new process technologies and equipment upgrades, ensuring they meet safety, environmental, and operational standards.
• Develop and maintain process control strategies, including P&IDs (Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams), operating procedures, and control loop tuning.
• Troubleshoot process upsets and deviations, identify root causes, and implement effective corrective actions.
• Conduct process hazard analyses (PHAs) and ensure compliance with safety regulations (e.g., HAZOP studies).
• Monitor key process parameters and production data, using statistical process control (SPC) to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Collaborate with R&D, production, and maintenance teams to support new product scale-up and process implementation.
• Prepare technical reports, feasibility studies, and capital expenditure proposals for process improvement projects.
• Ensure environmental compliance and implement measures for waste reduction and emission control.
• Mentor junior process engineers and provide technical expertise to operational staff.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in process engineering within the chemical manufacturing industry.
• Strong understanding of chemical reaction engineering, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and mass transfer.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS) and P&ID development.
• Experience with process control systems, instrumentation, and automation.
• Knowledge of safety and environmental regulations relevant to chemical plants.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and team leadership abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize effectively.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies is a plus.

Benefits

• A leading annual salary of R .
• Comprehensive medical aid, disability insurance, and retirement plan.
• Performance-based bonuses and opportunities for advancement.
• Extensive professional development and training programs.
• Relocation assistance may be available for exceptional candidates.
• A challenging and rewarding career in the chemical industry in Kimberley .
• Commitment to employee safety and well-being.