Senior Process Engineer - Petrochemical Industry

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Medical benefits

Retirement benefits

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Process Engineer in Mahikeng, North West to optimize petrochemical processes, drive safety, and support operations in a hybrid on-site/remote setting. The successful candidate will lead process optimization, perform PHAs/HAZOPs, develop PFDs/P&IDs, run simulations, mentor junior engineers, and ensure SHE compliance while delivering continuous improvement.

Candidates should have 6–8 years of petrochemical experience and a chemical engineering degree from an accredited

Qualifications

• Master's or Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from an accredited university.
• Minimum of 6-8 years of relevant experience in process engineering within the petrochemical or chemical industry.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen HYSYS, PRO/II, VMGSim).
• Strong knowledge of PFD/P&ID development and interpretation.
• Experience with Process Safety Management (PSM) principles and HAZOP facilitation.

Responsibilities

• Optimize existing petrochemical processes to improve yield, throughput, energy efficiency, and product quality.
• Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) for process upsets and equipment failures, developing and implementing corrective actions.
• Lead and participate in Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs) such as HAZOP studies.
• Develop and maintain process simulation models for steady-state and dynamic operations.
• Prepare Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), and equipment specifications.
• Provide technical support to the operations and maintenance teams.
• Manage small to medium-sized process improvement projects.
• Train and mentor junior process engineers and operators.
• Stay current with industry best practices, new technologies, and regulatory requirements in the petrochemical field.

Skills

Process optimization

Troubleshooting

Hazard analysis / PHA facilitation

Process simulation

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen HYSYS

PRO/II

VMGSim

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant entity in the petrochemical sector, is seeking an experienced Senior Process Engineer to enhance their operations in Mahikeng, North West. This role is central to optimizing and troubleshooting complex petrochemical processes, ensuring maximum efficiency, safety, and compliance with stringent industry standards. You will leverage your deep technical expertise to drive continuous improvement, implement innovative solutions, and mentor junior engineering staff. This position involves a hybrid work arrangement, combining essential on-site operational support and analysis with remote work capabilities. The successful candidate will possess a comprehensive understanding of refining or chemical plant operations, process simulation, and hazard analysis. We are looking for a proactive problem-solver with strong leadership potential and a commitment to operational excellence within the demanding petrochemical environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Optimize existing petrochemical processes to improve yield, throughput, energy efficiency, and product quality.
• Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) for process upsets and equipment failures, developing and implementing corrective actions.
• Lead and participate in Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs) such as HAZOP studies.
• Develop and maintain process simulation models for steady-state and dynamic operations.
• Prepare Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), and equipment specifications.
• Provide technical support to the operations and maintenance teams.
• Manage small to medium-sized process improvement projects.
• Train and mentor junior process engineers and operators.
• Stay current with industry best practices, new technologies, and regulatory requirements in the petrochemical field.
• Ensure adherence to all safety, health, and environmental (SHE) policies and procedures.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from an accredited university.
• Minimum of 6-8 years of relevant experience in process engineering within the petrochemical or chemical industry.
• Proven experience in process optimization, troubleshooting, and scale-up.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen HYSYS, PRO/II, VMGSim).
• Strong knowledge of PFD/P&ID development and interpretation.
• Experience with Process Safety Management (PSM) principles and HAZOP facilitation.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, capable of effective collaboration in a hybrid work environment.
• Ability to lead technical discussions and influence operational decisions.
• Experience in project execution or management is advantageous.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical and retirement benefits, performance bonuses, and ample opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• Enjoy the advantages of a hybrid work model that balances on-site collaboration in Mahikeng, North West with remote flexibility, supporting a productive work-life integration.