Entree Level Chemical Engineer

SUMMARY:
PROCESS ENGINEER INTERN
Location: Brits Area, North West
Industry: Hazardous Chemical Manufacturing
Employment Type: Internship / Graduate Development
4 Month Contract Role 
1 September to 15 December 2026 
Role Purpose
The Process Engineer Intern will apply chemical and process engineering knowledge to support the safe, efficient and reliable operation of a hazardous chemical manufacturing plant.
The role will contribute to continuous improvement across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost and Efficiency (SQDCE) by monitoring plant performance, identifying process bottlenecks, analysing operational data and supporting the implementation of process engineering solutions.
Working closely with Production, Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, SHEQ and other multidisciplinary teams, the Process Engineer Intern will support Operational Excellence (OPEX) initiatives and process improvement projects aimed at optimising manufacturing processes, improving plant reliability and reducing operational risk.
A strong safety-first mindset is essential, as the position operates within a hazardous chemical manufacturing environment.

POSITION INFO:
The role may require flexibility to work across different shifts and working hours in accordance with operational requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Process Engineering & Plant Optimisation

• Monitor manufacturing processes and plant performance to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Analyse process data, production trends and operational performance.
• Identify process bottlenecks, inefficiencies and potential reliability issues.
• Assist with developing and implementing process engineering solutions.
• Apply engineering principles to optimise unit operations and manufacturing processes.
• Support troubleshooting of process-related problems in collaboration with Production and Engineering teams.
• Assist with process optimisation initiatives aimed at improving efficiency, productivity and plant reliability.

• Participate in Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence initiatives.
• Support multidisciplinary improvement projects.
• Identify opportunities to improve Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost and Efficiency.
• Collect, analyse and present data to support fact-based decision-making.
• Assist with root-cause investigations and implementation of corrective actions.
• Support the measurement and reporting of improvement initiatives.

• Provide process engineering support to Production teams.
• Assist with maintaining stable, controlled and efficient manufacturing processes.
• Support the Production Order (PO) process, ensuring that orders are properly managed and executed.
• Assist with process troubleshooting and operational investigations.
• Support the integration of new products, processes and technologies into manufacturing operations.

• Review and maintain process documentation.
• Update red-line P&IDs as required.
• Assist with updating RAT lists and other process-related documentation.
• Review and update control philosophies.
• Assist with maintaining accurate process and engineering records.
• Support engineering projects through data gathering, technical input and documentation.

• Promote and demonstrate a strong Safety-First culture.
• Comply with all company SHEQ policies, procedures and standards.
• Identify and report process safety risks and potential hazards.
• Support safe operating practices within the manufacturing environment.
• Ensure process changes and improvements are implemented in accordance with approved procedures.
• Work in compliance with applicable legislation, regulatory requirements and company standards.
• Participate in safety meetings, investigations, risk assessments and improvement initiatives where required.

• BEng / BSc Engineering degree in:
• Chemical Engineering – Must HAVE

• 0–2 years' experience in a manufacturing or process environment.
• Graduate engineering experience, internship or exposure to chemical/process manufacturing will be advantageous.

• Sound understanding of chemical/process engineering principles.
• Knowledge of unit operations.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes and process control.
• Ability to analyse operational and production data.
• Experience in data presentation and interpretation.
• Exposure to Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• High proficiency in:
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• AutoCAD experience/design skills will be advantageous.
• Ability to interpret process engineering documentation, including P&IDs.

• Must be medically fit to work in a hazardous chemical manufacturing plant.
• Must be willing and able to work in a potentially hazardous industrial environment.
• Must be prepared to work shifts and/or flexible working hours when required by plant operations.
• Strong commitment to health, safety and environmental standards.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Good communication and technical reporting skills.
• Strong attention to detail and a structured approach to problem-solving.

• Safety-conscious and responsible behaviour.
• Analytical and logical thinking.
• A strong willingness to learn and develop.
• Continuous improvement mindset.
• Good technical problem-solving ability.
• Ability to work under pressure in a production environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Initiative and accountability.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with Production, Engineering, Maintenance and SHEQ teams.
• Professional and disciplined approach to engineering work.

• Valid driver's licence required.
• Own reliable transport will be advantageous due to the industrial location and potential shift requirements, but not a MUST.
• Willingness to travel between plant areas or operational sites where required.