Senior Process Engineer - Petrochemicals

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive package

Health, dental, vision insurance

Retirement plan with employer contrib.

Professional growth opportunities

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Process Engineer for our client in Mossel Bay, focusing on petrochemicals within the energy sector. The role blends hands-on plant work with remote planning to optimize operations for safety, efficiency and profitability.

Ideal candidates hold a Chemical Engineering degree with 7+ years in petrochemical or oil/gas, strong skills in Aspen HYSYS and UniSim, and experience with P&IDs, PFDs, and PSM.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years' experience in process engineering within petrochemical/oil & gas.
• Proficiency with process simulation software (Aspen HYSYS, UniSim).
• Experience with P&IDs, PFDs, and process safety management (PSM).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Analyze plant performance data to identify optimization opportunities.
• Develop and implement process modifications to improve yield, reduce costs, and enhance safety.
• Conduct PHAs and ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
• Design and size process equipment including reactors, distillation columns, and heat exchangers.
• Provide technical support to operations and maintenance teams.
• Mentor junior engineers and share knowledge within the department.

Skills

Experience: 7+ years

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen HYSYS

UniSim

PSM knowledge

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Process Engineer to join their team in Mossel Bay, specializing in the petrochemical industry within the broader energy sector. This role is crucial for optimizing plant operations, enhancing efficiency, and ensuring the safe and reliable production of petrochemical products. You will apply your deep knowledge of chemical engineering principles to troubleshoot complex process issues, design modifications, and implement process improvements that drive profitability and sustainability. Operating in a hybrid model, this position offers a blend of hands-on plant engagement in Mossel Bay and strategic planning capabilities from a remote setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze plant performance data to identify areas for process optimization and efficiency gains.
• Develop and implement process modifications and upgrades to improve yield, reduce costs, and enhance safety.
• Conduct process hazard analyses (PHAs) and ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
• Design and size process equipment, including reactors, distillation columns, and heat exchangers.
• Provide technical support to plant operations and maintenance teams.
• Mentor junior process engineers and contribute to knowledge sharing within the department.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in process engineering within the petrochemical or oil and gas industry.
• Strong understanding of process simulation software (e.g., Aspen HYSYS, UniSim).
• Proven experience with P&IDs, PFDs, and process safety management (PSM).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in both a plant environment and a remote setting.

Benefits

• Competitive remuneration package with performance bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement in the energy sector.
• Hybrid work arrangement to support work-life integration.