Senior Process Engineer - Fertilizer Production

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Híbrido; ZAR 900.000 - 1.500.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Annual bonus

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Life insurance

Leave and development opportunities

Hybrid work arrangement

Descripción de la vacante

Placements24 seeks a seasoned Senior Process Engineer for its Mahikeng fertilizer production facility. You will optimize chemical processes, troubleshoot operations, and ensure safety and environmental compliance while collaborating with production, quality and safety teams.

The role requires 8+ years in fertilizer or related chemical production, a Chemical Engineering degree, and strong process control knowledge. A Pr.Eng is highly desirable; the position offers hybrid work flexibility.

Formación

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• 8+ years in process engineering, with a focus on fertilizer or chemical production.
• Pr.Eng registration is highly desirable.
• Experience with process control systems and SIS.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and communication skills.

Responsabilidades

• Oversee and optimize fertilizer production processes (granulation, synthesis).
• Troubleshoot issues, identify root causes, implement corrective actions.
• Lead process improvement initiatives to boost efficiency and reduce costs.
• Ensure safety, environmental, and quality management compliance.
• Develop and maintain process documentation (P&IDs, SOPs, safety manuals).
• Collaborate with R&D on scale-up of new formulations or technologies.
• Conduct techno-economic analyses for upgrades and investments.
• Monitor KPIs and drive continuous improvement.
• Mentor junior engineers and operators.
• Participate in site safety audits and risk assessments.

Conocimientos

Chemical engineering

Process optimization

SIS knowledge

Analytical skills

Team leadership

Educación

Bachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering

Herramientas

Process simulation software

Descripción del empleo

About the Role

Our client, a leading agricultural solutions provider, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Process Engineer specializing in Fertilizer Production to join their facility in Mahikeng, North West . This role is critical for ensuring the efficient, safe, and environmentally compliant operation of their fertilizer manufacturing processes. You will be responsible for process optimization, troubleshooting, implementing new technologies, and maintaining high operational standards. Working in a hybrid capacity, you will balance on-site engineering duties with remote analysis and reporting, collaborating closely with production, quality, and safety teams. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of chemical engineering principles as applied to ammonia, urea, phosphate, or NPK production, along with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. This is a key role in supporting agricultural productivity through reliable fertilizer manufacturing in the North West province.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and optimize chemical processes involved in fertilizer production (e.g., granulation, synthesis, granulation).
• Troubleshoot operational issues, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions to improve plant performance and product quality.
• Lead process improvement initiatives aimed at increasing efficiency, reducing costs, and minimizing environmental impact.
• Ensure strict adherence to safety regulations, environmental standards, and quality management systems.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, including P&IDs, operating procedures, and safety manuals.
• Collaborate with the R&D team on the development and scale-up of new fertilizer formulations or production technologies.
• Conduct feasibility studies and techno-economic analyses for process upgrades and new investments.
• Monitor key process indicators and implement strategies for continuous improvement.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and plant operators.
• Participate in site safety audits and risk assessments.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in process engineering, with a significant focus on fertilizer manufacturing or related chemical production.
• Proven experience in optimizing large-scale chemical processes, particularly those involving ammonia, urea, or phosphate production.
• Strong knowledge of chemical reaction engineering, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and mass transfer.
• Familiarity with process control systems, safety instrumented systems (SIS), and environmental compliance.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, suitable for a hybrid work environment.
• Experience with process simulation software is an advantage.
• Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng) registration is highly desirable.
• Commitment to safety and environmental best practices.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package with annual performance bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid, retirement fund, and life insurance.
• Generous annual leave and other paid time off benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development, including specialized training and conferences.
• Hybrid work arrangement promoting flexibility and work-life balance.
• Exposure to leading technologies in the fertilizer industry.
• A supportive team environment in Mahikeng, North West.