Senior Process Technician - Chemical Manufacturing

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 620,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Overtime opportunities

Training programs

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Process Technician for our client in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. The role focuses on monitoring, controlling, and optimizing complex chemical processes, troubleshooting equipment, and maintaining safety and quality standards.

The ideal candidate has a National Diploma in Chemical Eng or related field with 5+ years of experience, strong DCS knowledge, and the ability to work shifts. This hands‑on position offers growth within a leading chemical manufacturer.

Qualifications

• National Diploma in Chemical Engineering Technology or related field.
• Minimum 5 years' experience as a Process Technician in chemical manufacturing or similar.
• Proven experience with DCS and other process automation technologies.
• Strong understanding of chemical processing principles and reaction kinetics.
• Knowledge of safety procedures and regulatory requirements in the chemical industry.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to read PFDs and P&IDs.
• Good communication and teamwork, with willingness to work shifts.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor complex chemical processing equipment and control systems.
• Perform routine inspections and preventative maintenance on process machinery.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot process deviations and equipment failures.
• Adjust process parameters to maintain product specs.
• Collect samples and conduct basic quality control tests.
• Ensure adherence to safety procedures and regulations.
• Maintain detailed logs of operations and maintenance.
• Assist in process improvements and optimization initiatives.
• Respond to alarms and emergencies with corrective actions.
• Train and mentor junior technicians on operations and safety.

Skills

DCS experience

Process control

Analytical skills

Teamwork

Shift work

Communication

Problem solving

Education

National Diploma in Chemical Eng

Tools

DCS systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading chemical manufacturing company, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Process Technician to join their operations in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. This role is integral to ensuring the efficient and safe operation of complex chemical processing units. You will be responsible for monitoring, controlling, and optimizing production processes, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and performing essential maintenance tasks. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of chemical engineering principles, process control systems, and stringent safety protocols prevalent in the chemical industry. This is a hands‑on position requiring meticulous attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and the ability to work effectively within a team environment. We are looking for a dedicated professional committed to maintaining high standards of quality, safety, and productivity in a challenging industrial setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor complex chemical processing equipment and control systems to ensure optimal production output and quality.
• Perform routine inspections and preventative maintenance on process machinery, pumps, valves, and instrumentation.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot process deviations, equipment failures, and quality issues.
• Adjust process parameters as necessary to maintain optimal operating conditions and product specifications.
• Collect samples and conduct basic quality control tests as required.
• Ensure strict adherence to all safety procedures, environmental regulations, and company policies.
• Maintain detailed logs of process operations, maintenance activities, and production data.
• Assist in the implementation of process improvements and optimization initiatives.
• Respond to alarms and emergencies, taking appropriate corrective actions.
• Train and mentor junior technicians on process operations and safety protocols.

Requirements

• National Diploma in Chemical Engineering Technology, Process Control, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Process Technician in a chemical manufacturing or similar industrial environment.
• Proven experience with Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and other process automation technologies.
• Strong understanding of chemical processing principles and reaction kinetics.
• Knowledge of safety procedures and regulatory requirements in the chemical industry.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to read and interpret process flow diagrams (PFDs) and piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs).
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Willingness to work shifts, including weekends and public holidays.
• Valid driver's license.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, comprehensive medical aid, and a provident fund.
• Opportunities for overtime and career advancement within a stable and growing industry leader are provided.
• Employees benefit from continuous training and development programs designed to enhance technical expertise and safety awareness.
• Join a team committed to operational excellence and contributing to the production of essential chemical products.