Senior Process Engineer - Hydrogen Production

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Professional growth

Relocation assistance

Hydrogen technology exposure

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Process Engineer based in Nelspruit to drive design and optimization of hydrogen production processes, including SMR, electrolysis, and ATR. You will model with Aspen Plus, HYSYS, and CHEMCAD, develop PFDs/P&IDs, perform PHAs, and support scaling from lab to plant operations.

The ideal candidate has a strong chemical engineering background with 7+ years in gas processing or related chemical industries, and excellent analytical and project-management skills.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or closely related field.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in process engineering with hydrogen focus.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, reaction engineering, separation and mass/heat transfer.
• Proficiency with Aspen Plus, HYSYS, CHEMCAD for process simulations.
• Experience with PHAs and process safety principles.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of hydrogen production processes (SMR, Electrolysis, ATR).
• Run process simulations and modeling using Aspen Plus, HYSYS, CHEMCAD.
• Create PFDs, P&IDs, and equipment specifications.
• Perform PHAs to ensure safety and operability.
• Optimize processes for efficiency, yield, and environmental impact.
• Support construction, commissioning, and startup activities.
• Collaborate with R&D to scale laboratory findings to plants.
• Troubleshoot operations and implement performance improvements.
• Evaluate new technologies for hydrogen production and purification.

Skills

Hydrogen production

Gas processing

Thermodynamics

Reaction engineering

Separation processes

Mass transfer

Heat transfer

Process safety

Education

Master's degree in Chemical Engineering

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

CHEMCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering company at the forefront of the clean energy transition, is seeking an experienced Senior Process Engineer to drive advancements in hydrogen production technologies. Based in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga , this role is critical for designing, optimizing, and scaling up innovative processes for green and blue hydrogen generation. You will be involved in the entire lifecycle of process development, from conceptual design and feasibility studies to detailed engineering, commissioning, and operational support. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in chemical engineering, with specialized expertise in gas processing, catalysis, electrolysis, or reforming technologies relevant to hydrogen production. This is a unique opportunity to work on cutting‑edge projects that are shaping the future of sustainable fuels and contributing significantly to decarbonization efforts. We are looking for a technically adept and forward‑thinking engineer who can lead complex process challenges and drive innovation in a dynamic sector. Your expertise will be essential in developing safe, efficient, and economically viable hydrogen production solutions. The role demands strong analytical skills, excellent problem‑solving capabilities, and the ability to collaborate effectively within a multi‑disciplinary team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of novel and existing hydrogen production processes (e.g., Steam Methane Reforming, Electrolysis, Autothermal Reforming).
• Conduct process simulations and modeling using industry‑standard software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS).
• Develop Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), and equipment specifications.
• Perform process hazard analyses (PHAs) such as HAZOP studies to ensure safety and operability.
• Optimize existing processes for improved efficiency, yield, and reduced environmental impact.
• Provide technical support during the construction, commissioning, and startup phases of new plants.
• Collaborate with research and development teams to translate laboratory findings into scalable industrial processes.
• Troubleshoot operational issues and implement solutions to enhance plant performance.
• Evaluate new technologies and methodologies for hydrogen production and purification.
• Prepare technical reports, feasibility studies, and project documentation.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in process engineering, with a significant focus on hydrogen production, gas processing, or related chemical industries.
• Demonstrated expertise in thermodynamics, reaction engineering, separation processes, and mass/heat transfer.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS, CHEMCAD).
• Strong understanding of process safety principles and experience conducting PHAs.
• Experience with electrolysis, SMR, ATR, or other relevant hydrogen production technologies is highly advantageous.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong project management and communication skills, with the ability to lead technical discussions.
• Familiarity with relevant industry codes and standards.
• Ability to work independently and contribute effectively within a team environment.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
• Annual performance bonus.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Generous paid time off and holidays.
• Opportunities for professional growth, training, and attending industry conferences.
• Exposure to pioneering technologies in the burgeoning hydrogen economy.
• A dynamic work environment with a focus on innovation and sustainability.
• Relocation assistance may be available.
• Significant impact on developing sustainable energy solutions in Mpumalanga and beyond.