Senior Process Engineer - Specialty Chemicals

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

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Laboratory access

Pilot plant facilities

Professional growth

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly skilled Senior Process Engineer with expertise in specialty chemicals to join our client in Polokwane. You will design, optimize, and troubleshoot complex processes for high-value chemical products, applying advanced simulation and modeling to improve yield and reliability.

The role emphasizes safety, environmental, and quality standards, with mentorship of junior engineers and collaboration with R&D for scale-up from pilot to production.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering required; master's preferred.
• 7+ years of experience in chemical process engineering, specialty chemicals.
• Proficiency with process simulation software and SPC/DOE.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize synthesis and purification processes for specialty chemicals.
• Conduct process simulations and modeling to predict performance.
• Troubleshoot processing issues and improve yield while reducing downtime.
• Ensure safety, environmental, and quality compliance.
• Mentor junior engineers and operators; support R&D scale-up.

Skills

Senior Process Engineer

Process simulation

Aspen HYSYS

ChemCAD

DOE

SPC

Separation techniques

Organic synthesis

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

ChemCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly skilled Senior Process Engineer with specialized knowledge in specialty chemicals to join their innovative team in Polokwane . This role focuses on the design, optimization, and troubleshooting of complex processes for manufacturing high-value chemical products. You will leverage your deep technical expertise to drive efficiency, ensure product quality, and implement sustainable practices. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of specialty chemical production, contributing to product development and operational excellence within a dynamic and growing sector, collaborating with a dedicated team committed to innovation and quality.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and optimize processes for the synthesis and purification of specialty chemical products.
• Conduct process simulations and modeling to predict performance and identify areas for enhancement.
• Troubleshoot complex processing issues, implementing data-driven solutions to improve yield and reduce downtime.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, and quality standards relevant to specialty chemical manufacturing.
• Collaborate with R&D teams on the scale-up of new products from pilot to commercial scale.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and operators.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in chemical process engineering, with a focus on specialty chemicals.
• Strong understanding of organic synthesis, reaction engineering, and separation techniques.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen HYSYS, ChemCAD).
• Experience with statistical process control (SPC) and design of experiments (DOE).
• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering; Master's degree preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development in specialty chemicals.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility between office and remote work.
• Access to advanced laboratory and pilot plant facilities.
• A collaborative environment focused on innovation and scientific advancement.