Senior Process Engineer - Petrochemical Specialist

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybride; ZAR 1 000 000 - 1 800 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Professional development support

Hybrid work arrangement

Résumé du poste

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Process Engineer in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, to lead the design, optimization, and safe operation of chemical processes. The role blends on-site collaboration with flexible hybrid work, requiring 7+ years in chemical/process engineering and strong simulation skills.

You will mentor junior engineers, manage capital projects, and ensure regulatory and environmental compliance while delivering high-efficiency, high-quality products.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in process engineering within chemical/petrochemical industries.
• Proficiency with process simulation/design software (Aspen Plus, HYSYS, ChemCAD).
• Strong knowledge of kinetics, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and separation processes.
• Experience with process safety management (PSM) and hazard analysis (HAZOP/LOPA).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project-management skills.

Responsabilités

• Design, develop, and implement new chemical processes; improve existing ones for efficiency and quality.
• Run process simulations and modeling to predict performance and identify optimization opportunities.
• Troubleshoot operational issues across processes, equipment, and plant performance.
• Manage scopes, timelines, and budgets for process-improvement and capital projects.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental standards, and policies.
• Collaborate with R&D, operations, and maintenance teams for seamless integration.

Connaissances

Process engineering

Project management

Analytical thinking

Communication

Formation

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Chemical Engineering

Outils

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

ChemCAD

Description du poste

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.