Senior Process Engineer - Petrochemical Specialization

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary package

Bonus structure

Medical aid

Provident fund

Professional development

On-site canteen

Work-life balance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Senior Process Engineer in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. You will optimize petrochemical processes, ensure safety, and drive innovation in a chemical manufacturing environment.

The role requires 7+ years in chemical process engineering, strong simulation skills (Aspen Plus, HYSYS), and Pr.Eng eligibility is advantageous. Collaboration with cross-functional teams and project budgeting are key aspects.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in chemical process engineering, with petrochemical focus.
• Strong background in chemical reactions, thermodynamics, and process control.
• Proficiency in PFD and P&ID development.
• Familiarity with process safety management and hazardous area classifications.
• Registered Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng) or eligibility is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement petrochemical processes to improve efficiency, yield, and safety.
• Conduct feasibility studies and economic evaluations for projects.
• Develop and maintain PFDs, P&IDs, and other engineering documents.
• Run process simulations to predict performance and identify issues.
• Troubleshoot operational problems to minimize downtime.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and R&D teams.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior staff.
• Manage project timelines and budgets for tasks and smaller projects.

Skills

Process simulation

PFD/PID development

PSM principles

Unit operations

Analytical problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced and motivated Senior Process Engineer with a strong background in petrochemical processes to join their dynamic team in **Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal**. This is a critical role focused on optimizing plant operations, ensuring safety, and driving innovation within our sophisticated chemical manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of chemical reactions, thermodynamic principles, and process control systems. You will be instrumental in tackling complex engineering challenges and contributing to the long-term success of our operations in this key industrial hub. This position offers a fantastic opportunity to advance your career within a leading organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement new chemical processes and optimize existing ones to improve efficiency, yield, and safety.
• Conduct feasibility studies and economic evaluations for proposed projects and process modifications.
• Develop and maintain Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), and other essential engineering documentation.
• Perform process simulations using industry-standard software to predict performance and identify potential issues.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex operational problems, ensuring minimal downtime and maximum productivity.
• Ensure all process designs and operations comply with relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including operations, maintenance, and R&D, to achieve project goals.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineering staff.
• Manage project timelines and budgets effectively for assigned tasks and smaller projects.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in chemical process engineering, with a significant focus on the petrochemical sector.
• Proven experience with process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS).
• Strong understanding of unit operations, reaction kinetics, and separation technologies.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in P&ID and PFD development and interpretation.
• Familiarity with process safety management (PSM) principles and hazardous area classifications.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Registered Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng) or eligibility for registration is highly advantageous.

Benefits

Our client offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth. This includes a highly competitive annual salary, a performance-based bonus structure, medical aid contributions, a generous provident fund, and opportunities for continuous professional development and training. You will also have access to an on-site canteen, excellent work-life balance initiatives, and the chance to work on challenging and impactful projects in **Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal**. This is an excellent career move for a dedicated chemical engineer.