Specialty Chemicals Process Engineer

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Healthcare benefits

Professional development

Pension plan

Generous leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Process Engineer for our Durban, KwaZulu-Natal operations. You will optimize and maintain chemical production lines, support new process implementations, and work with operations and maintenance teams to ensure safe, efficient production.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelors in Chemical Engineering with 3–5 years in chemical manufacturing, experience in process simulation and data analysis, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering required.
• 3–5 years of experience in chemical manufacturing preferred.
• Experience with process simulation and data analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of unit operations (distillation, reaction, separation).
• Familiarity with process safety and environmental regulations.

Responsibilities

• Monitor plant performance data to identify process improvements and cost reductions.
• Troubleshoot operational issues to minimize production disruption.
• Develop and implement process modifications to improve yield and reduce waste.
• Conduct root cause analysis for equipment failures and deviations.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and environmental regulations.
• Assist in commissioning and validation of new equipment and process changes.
• Collaborate with maintenance to plan preventative maintenance programs.
• Prepare operating procedures and process safety information.
• Participate in safety reviews and process hazard analyses.

Skills

Process simulation

Data analysis

Process control

Safety compliance

Analytical thinking

Teamwork/communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent manufacturer of high-performance specialty chemicals, is looking for a dedicated Process Engineer to join their operations in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal . This role focuses on optimizing and maintaining the efficiency and safety of our existing chemical production lines, as well as supporting the implementation of new processes. You will be involved in daily operational support, continuous improvement initiatives, and troubleshooting plant issues. The ideal candidate will have a solid grounding in chemical engineering principles and a proactive approach to problem-solving. This is an excellent opportunity to work with advanced chemical technologies and contribute to a company known for its commitment to quality and innovation. You will work closely with the operations and maintenance teams to ensure smooth and effective production.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze plant performance data to identify opportunities for process improvement and cost reduction.
• Troubleshoot and resolve operational issues, ensuring minimal disruption to production schedules.
• Develop and implement process modifications to enhance yield, reduce waste, and improve product quality.
• Conduct root cause analysis for equipment failures and process deviations.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Assist in the commissioning and validation of new equipment and process changes.
• Collaborate with the maintenance department to plan and execute preventative maintenance programs.
• Prepare technical documentation, including operating procedures and process safety information.
• Participate in safety reviews and process hazard analyses.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• 3-5 years of relevant experience in a chemical manufacturing environment.
• Experience with process simulation and data analysis tools.
• Good understanding of unit operations such as distillation, reaction, and separation.
• Familiarity with process safety principles and environmental regulations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Experience with process control systems is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and annual bonus potential.
• Comprehensive healthcare benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• A supportive and dynamic team environment in Durban .
• Contribution to a company that values innovation and sustainability.
• Pension fund and other retirement benefits.
• Generous annual leave allowance.