Specialist Chemical Engineer - Petrochemicals

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonuses

Medical & retirement benefits

International training

Paid time off

Wellness programs

Job summary

Placements24, on behalf of a leading petrochemical operator in Durban, seeks a highly experienced Chemical Engineer to optimize refining and chemical production units. You will analyze process performance and drive improvements across safety and efficiency in a large industrial complex.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering (advanced degree preferred), with 7+ years in petrochemicals/oil & gas, proficiency in process simulation and data analysis, and strong technical

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering is required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 7 years hands-on experience in petrochemical/oil & gas.
• Strong knowledge of distillation, catalytic cracking, or synthesis processes.
• Proficiency with process simulation software and data analysis tools.
• Solid understanding of Process Safety Management (PSM).
• Excellent technical writing and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Analyze process data to optimize production yields and energy efficiency.
• Develop and validate process models for existing and new units.
• Provide expert technical support for operational issues in refining and chemical processes.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies or process modifications for safety, environment, and profitability.
• Collaborate with R&D, operations, and maintenance to implement improvements.
• Prepare reports, feasibility studies, and project proposals for process improvements.

Skills

Analytical mindset

Technical writing

Presentation skills

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Process simulation software

Data analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the petrochemical sector, is seeking a highly specialized Chemical Engineer to join their operations in Durban . This role is crucial for enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of their complex refining and chemical production units. You will be responsible for deep-dive analysis of process performance, identifying areas for improvement, and developing innovative solutions to technical challenges. This position requires a strong analytical mindset, a passion for petrochemical processes, and the ability to work collaboratively within a large industrial complex.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze process data to identify opportunities for optimizing production yields and energy efficiency in petrochemical plants.
• Develop and validate process models for existing and new units, ensuring accurate performance predictions.
• Provide expert technical support for operational issues, troubleshooting complex problems within refining and chemical processes.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies or process modifications to improve safety, environmental performance, and profitability.
• Collaborate with R&D, operations, and maintenance teams to implement process enhancements.
• Prepare technical reports, feasibility studies, and project proposals for process improvement initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering ; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of hands-on experience in the petrochemical or oil and gas industry.
• Specialized knowledge in areas such as distillation, catalytic cracking, or synthesis processes.
• Proficiency in process simulation software and data analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of process safety management (PSM) principles.
• Excellent technical writing and presentation skills.

Benefits

• Attractive salary and potential for annual bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for international training and exposure to global best practices.
• Generous paid time off and wellness programs.
• A challenging and rewarding career in a key industrial hub.