Senior Process Engineer - Chemical Manufacturing

Placements24; Richards Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Relocation assistance

Training & development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Process Engineer for our Richards Bay operation. You will optimize complex chemical processes with a focus on safety, efficiency, and reliability, while collaborating with operations, maintenance and R&D teams.

The role is hybrid, combining on-site plant work with remote data analysis and reporting. The ideal candidate has a chemical engineering degree, 6+ years in process engineering, and hands-on experience with process simulation, control systems, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 6 years' process engineering experience in chemical manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and mass transfer.
• Proficiency with Aspen Plus or HYSYS process simulators.
• Experience with DCS/PLC systems and plant instrumentation.
• Familiar with safety and environmental regulations in chemicals.
• Excellent problem-solving and project management skills.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement process improvements to boost efficiency and product quality.
• Perform PHAs and implement safety measures.
• Troubleshoot deviations and reduce downtime.
• Develop process documentation including P&IDs and SOPs.
• Use process simulation for design and optimization.
• Collaborate with operations and maintenance for smooth plant runs.
• Lead debottlenecking and new product introduction projects.
• Monitor KPIs and drive continuous improvement.
• Mentor junior engineers.

Skills

Process design

Analytical thinking

Project management

Cross-functional teamwork

Root cause analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

DCS/PLC

Instrumentation

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the chemical manufacturing industry, is seeking a Senior Process Engineer to join their team in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA. This role is pivotal in optimizing and ensuring the efficiency, safety, and reliability of their complex chemical processes. The successful candidate will be responsible for process design, troubleshooting, continuous improvement initiatives, and implementing best practices in process control and automation. This is a hybrid role, requiring a balance of on-site engineering work, including plant visits and hands‑on analysis, with the flexibility of remote data analysis and reporting. You will collaborate closely with operations, maintenance, and R&D teams to drive operational excellence. The company offers a challenging yet rewarding environment where innovation and problem-solving are highly valued. This position provides a significant opportunity to impact operational performance and contribute to the company’s sustained growth and success. The team is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of safety and environmental compliance while maximizing production efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, yield, and product quality.
• Conduct process hazard analyses (PHAs) and implement necessary safety measures.
• Troubleshoot process deviations and implement corrective actions to minimize downtime.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, including P&IDs, operating procedures, and technical reports.
• Utilize process simulation software for design, optimization, and scenario analysis.
• Collaborate with operations and maintenance teams to ensure smooth plant operation and effective shutdowns/startups.
• Lead projects related to process upgrades, debottlenecking, and new product introductions.
• Monitor key process performance indicators (KPIs) and implement strategies for improvement.
• Stay updated with emerging technologies and industry best practices in chemical engineering.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in process engineering within the chemical manufacturing industry.
• Strong understanding of chemical processes, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and mass transfer.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS).
• Experience with process control systems (DCS/PLCs) and instrumentation.
• Knowledge of safety regulations and environmental compliance in chemical manufacturing.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and project management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in cross‑functional teams.
• Experience with root cause analysis (RCA) methodologies.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma principles is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
• Performance-based incentive program.
• Comprehensive health, life, and disability insurance.
• Retirement savings plan with employer matching.
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• Relocation assistance may be available.
• A dynamic work environment with opportunities for career advancement.
• Employee wellness programs.