Chemical Engineer – Manufacturing / Agricultural Chemicals

SUMMARY:
A leading multinational organisation within the agricultural and chemical manufacturing sector is seeking an experienced Chemical Engineer to join its technical and manufacturing team in Gauteng. This is an exciting opportunity for a technically strong engineer to contribute to process optimisation, plant efficiency, continuous improvement and operational excellence within a highly regulated manufacturing environment.

POSITION INFO:

Key Responsibilities

• Optimise and improve chemical manufacturing processes to enhance production efficiency, quality and cost-effectiveness.
• Monitor plant performance and identify opportunities for process improvement and optimisation.
• Develop, review and implement process engineering solutions and modifications.
• Conduct process calculations, mass and energy balances and engineering assessments.
• Investigate process deviations, production losses and operational problems, implementing appropriate corrective actions.
• Support process safety, risk assessments and HAZOP studies.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, operating procedures and technical specifications.
• Work closely with Production, Maintenance, Quality, EHS and Engineering teams to resolve technical challenges.
• Participate in capital projects, including process design, equipment selection, commissioning and implementation.
• Analyse production data and identify trends to improve plant performance and reliability.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using appropriate engineering methodologies and tools.
• Ensure processes comply with relevant quality, safety, environmental and regulatory requirements.
• Provide technical support and guidance to production and operations teams.
• Engage with suppliers and contractors where required on technical and process-related matters.

Minimum Requirements

• BSc/BEng/BTech in Chemical Engineering.
• 3–5 years' relevant experience within a chemical manufacturing, process manufacturing or related industrial environment.
• Strong understanding of chemical processes and process engineering principles.
• Experience with process optimisation and continuous improvement.
• Knowledge of process safety principles and risk assessment methodologies.
• Experience with mass and energy balances, process calculations and data analysis.
• Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.

Advantageous Experience

• Experience within agrochemical, chemical, pharmaceutical, FMCG or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
• Exposure to HAZOP, MOC, RCA and process safety management.
• Experience with SCADA/DCS/PLC-controlled processes.
• Exposure to Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience supporting CAPEX projects and plant commissioning.

Key Competencies

• Process-oriented and analytical mindset.
• Strong technical problem-solving ability.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills.
• Ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Proactive approach to identifying and resolving process issues.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, highly regulated manufacturing environment.
• Strong focus on safety, sustainability and operational excellence.