Senior Process Engineer - Petrochemical Specialist

Placements24; KwaZulu-Natal; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Training opportunities

Generous leave

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Process Engineer for its client in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. The role focuses on designing and optimizing advanced chemical processes to drive efficiency, safety, and sustainability, with hybrid on-site and remote work suspension.

The ideal candidate holds a Chemical Engineering degree and 7+ years in process engineering, with strong skills in Aspen Plus/HYSYS/ChemCAD, kinetics, thermodynamics, and PSM.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive process engineering experience in chemical/petrochemical environments.
• Proficiency with process simulation and design tools (Aspen Plus, HYSYS, ChemCAD).
• Strong knowledge of reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and separation processes.
• Experience with process safety management and hazard analyses (HAZOP/LOPA).

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize chemical processes to improve efficiency, yield, and product quality.
• Run process simulations to identify performance improvements and optimization opportunities.
• Troubleshoot complex process, equipment, and plant performance issues.
• Manage scopes, timelines, and budgets for process improvement projects and capital investments.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations, environmental standards, and company policies.
• Collaborate with R&D, operations, and maintenance for seamless integration of new tech.
• Perform techno-economic analyses to assess feasibility and profitability of changes.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance for development.

Skills

Process engineering

Project management

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Problem solving

Education

Chemical Engineering degree

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

ChemCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent leader in the chemical manufacturing sector, is seeking a highly experienced and innovative Senior Process Engineer to join their dynamic team in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. This is a critical role focused on optimizing and developing advanced chemical processes that drive efficiency, safety, and sustainability. You will be instrumental in shaping the future of our client's production capabilities, contributing to cutting-edge projects and ensuring the highest standards of operational excellence. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of chemical engineering principles, a proven track record in process design and optimization, and a passion for tackling complex engineering challenges. This hybrid role offers the flexibility to blend remote work with essential on-site collaboration, fostering a balanced and productive work environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement new chemical processes and improve existing ones to enhance efficiency, yield, and product quality.
• Conduct process simulations and modeling using industry-standard software (e.g., Aspen HYSYS, ChemCAD) to predict performance and identify optimization opportunities.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex operational issues related to chemical processes, equipment, and plant performance.
• Develop and manage project scopes, timelines, and budgets for process improvement initiatives and capital projects.
• Ensure all processes comply with safety regulations, environmental standards, and company policies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D, operations, and maintenance, to ensure seamless integration of new processes and technologies.
• Perform techno-economic analyses to evaluate the feasibility and profitability of proposed process changes and new technologies.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance to support their professional development.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, documentation, and presentations for management and stakeholders.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in process engineering within the chemical or petrochemical industry.
• Proficiency in process simulation and design software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS, ChemCAD).
• Strong knowledge of chemical reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and separation processes.
• Experience with process safety management (PSM) principles and hazard analysis techniques (e.g., HAZOP, LOPA).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies is a plus.
• Must be eligible to work in South Africa and able to commute to Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal for key meetings and site visits.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary package reflective of experience and expertise.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Opportunities for professional development, including training, conferences, and further education support.
• Generous leave allowance and company holidays.
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and advanced engineering tools.
• A collaborative and supportive work environment that encourages innovation and professional growth.
• Potential for career advancement within a growing organization.
• Hybrid work arrangement promoting work-life balance.