Chemical Engineer – Durban

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Chemical Engineer – Durban

Engineering and Technical
KZN

The Chemical Engineer will identify, develop and deliver engineering projects that improve plant performance, production capacity, efficiency, reliability, safety and product quality.
Although based in the Projects Department, the role will work closely with Production, Maintenance, SHEQ, Procurement and other business functions.
 
The position will have a strong focus on projects that are integrated into plant operations, including process optimisation, debottlenecking, troubleshooting, plant trials, equipment modifications and continuous improvement.
 
The successful candidate will gain broad exposure to both project engineering and production processes, creating a potential development pathway into future technical or operational leadership roles.
 
Key responsibilities
Project development and execution
    • Identify and evaluate plant optimisation, process improvement and capital project opportunities.
    • Develop project scopes, technical solutions, business cases, budgets and implementation plans.
    • Perform or coordinate equipment sizing, process design, specifications, costing and quotation reviews.
    • Manage projects from concept and approval through execution, commissioning, close-out and benefit verification.
    • Coordinate contractors, suppliers, consultants and internal stakeholders.
    • Ensure project documentation, drawings, reports and operating information are updated.
 
Process engineering and production support
    • Develop a detailed understanding of the plant’s key unit operations and production processes.
    • Analyse production and process data to identify trends, constraints, losses and improvement opportunities.
    • Support Production in troubleshooting plant problems, process deviations, downtime and quality concerns.
    • Conduct root-cause analyses and develop practical engineering solutions to prevent repeat failures.
    • Plan and oversee laboratory trials, plant trials and process changes.
    • Support production during plant start-ups, shutdowns, commissioning and operational upsets.
 
Continuous improvement
    • Identify and implement opportunities to improve production volumes, yields, energy efficiency, cost, reliability and product quality.
    • Develop process improvement roadmaps and track the benefits delivered by completed projects.
    • Translate engineering changes into sustainable operating procedures, standards, training materials and monitoring systems.
    • Participate in Lean, continuous improvement and waste-reduction initiatives.
 
Safety, compliance and operational readiness
    • Ensure projects and process changes comply with legal, safety, quality and environmental requirements.
    • Participate in HAZOP studies, risk assessments, management-of-change processes and incident investigations.
    • Ensure proposed modifications are safe, practical, maintainable and operable by Production.
    • Provide technical training and operational guidance following project implementation.
 
Minimum requirements
    • BSc in Chemical Engineering.
    • Minimum 8 years relevant experience in a chemical, manufacturing or industrial plant environment.
    • Experience in process improvement, plant projects, production support or process engineering.
    • Experience taking engineering work from concept through implementation and commissioning.
    • Strong analytical, problem-solving and project coordination skills.
    • Ability to interpret process information, production data and technical drawings.
    • Good written and verbal communication skills.
    • Competent in Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
 
Advantageous experience
    • Experience with process control systems such as DCS, SCADA or PLC systems.
    • Experience with process historians, data analysis tools or process simulation software.
    • Exposure to CAPEX preparation, equipment selection, contractor management and project costing.
    • Experience with root-cause analysis, HAZOP, risk assessments and management of change.
    • Knowledge of ISO management systems, Lean or Six Sigma principles.
    • Exposure to shutdowns, start-ups and plant commissioning.
 
Personal attributes
    • Strong technical judgement and practical problem-solving ability.
    • Able to work effectively with Production personnel, engineers, technicians and contractors.
    • Comfortable working across departmental boundaries.
    • Self-motivated, organised and able to manage several priorities.
    • Willing to take ownership from problem identification through implementation.
    • Calm and effective in a fast-paced industrial environment.
    • Demonstrates leadership potential, strong people management skills and an interest in broader operational responsibility.
    • Must have own transport.
    • Must be willing to work in an operating plant environment, including at heights and in confined spaces where required.
    • Extended hours may be required during shutdowns, commissioning, plant upsets and restarts.  
    • The role will participate in production standby or after-hours technical support as required.