Senior Process Engineer - Petrochemical Operations

Placements24; KwaZulu-Natal; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, seeks an experienced Senior Process Engineer to optimize petrochemical facilities. You will design and review process schemes, run simulations, and guide operations for safe, efficient plant performance.

The role blends in-office collaboration with remote work, mentoring junior engineers, and delivering small to medium process-improvement projects while staying compliant with safety and environmental standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering.
• 5+ years of relevant experience in process engineering within petrochemical/chemical industry.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (Aspen HYSYS, PRO/II).

Responsibilities

• Develop, review, and optimize process designs and operating procedures for petrochemical plants.
• Conduct detailed process simulations to identify efficiency, safety, and environmental improvements.
• Troubleshoot issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement solutions.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and project engineering teams to ensure seamless plant operations.
• Provide technical guidance to junior engineers and plant personnel.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Manage small to medium-sized process improvement projects.
• Stay updated on industry best practices and new technologies in petrochemical engineering.

Skills

Process simulation

Aspen HYSYS

PRO/II

Thermodynamics

Education

Bachelor’s/Master’s in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen HYSYS

PRO/II

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the energy sector, is seeking an experienced Senior Process Engineer to join their dynamic team in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal . This role is integral to optimizing and ensuring the efficient operation of our client's petrochemical facilities. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of chemical engineering principles and a proven track record in process design, simulation, and troubleshooting within a demanding industrial environment. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a forward-thinking company that is committed to innovation and sustainability in the energy industry. The hybrid work model allows for a blend of in-office collaboration and focused remote work, fostering productivity and work-life balance.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, review, and optimize process designs and operating procedures for petrochemical plants.
• Conduct detailed process simulations and analyses to identify areas for improvement in efficiency, safety, and environmental performance.
• Troubleshoot operational issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement effective solutions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including operations, maintenance, and project engineering, to ensure seamless plant operations.
• Provide technical support and guidance to junior engineers and plant personnel.
• Ensure all process activities comply with relevant safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Manage and execute small to medium-sized process improvement projects.
• Stay abreast of new technologies and industry best practices in petrochemical engineering.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in process engineering within the petrochemical or chemical industry.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen HYSYS, PRO/II).
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, heat