Process Engineer

SUMMARY:
To optimize, monitor, and improve chlor-alkali production processes (electrolysis of brine to produce chlorine, caustic soda, and hydrogen), ensure safe, reliable, environmentally compliant, and cost-effective operations aligned with corporate and regulatory standards

POSITION INFO:

Key performance area

1. Process Engineering and Technical Services.

• Responsible for the development and control of P&IDs, HAZOP studies and design reviews for updates on the system as per the operational strategy development.
• Ensure technical support for any process that requires investigation and improvement.
• Ensure process control philosophy is developed and well understood.
• Repeat failures, incidents and customer complaints are investigated and preventative measures are implemented.
• Raw material and final product quality are monitored, and deviations resolved accordingly.
• Provide reports on any process deviations to the system.
• Measure and evaluate and report on the effluent management on the plant site and find opportunities for effluent reduction.

2. Compliance with Standards.

• Ensure compliance with Management of Change, Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment, Compliance with Standards and Process Safety Knowledge Management standards.
• Make use of site drawings, engineering standards and technical library to assist the plant operations to achieve the required standard
• Assist in the development of Electrolyser protection, manufacturing data and quality parameters according to OEM standards
• Implement and monitor operating technology systems (i.e. MES, Track and Trace, SCADA, operational systems)
• Collaborate with the Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) department to ensure alignment and compliance with the Process Safety Management system.
• Ensure compliance with national and international standards relating to Process Safety Management (PSM specifically and South African Nationals Standards (SANS) in general.

3. Process Safety Management.

• Lead and conduct Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs), such as Hazard and Operability Studies (HAZOPS), What-If, 5 Whys, Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and Layer of Protection Analysis (LOPA).
• Perform risk assessments on equipment and operations involving flammable, reactive, or toxic substances.
• Lead and support PSM compliance initiatives, policies, procedures and best practices throughout the organization.
• Ensure corrective actions arising from PHAs, Integrated Management Systems (IMS) audit, Major Hazard Installation (MHI) audits, Process Safety Management (PSM) audits and other internal and external audits are implemented, tracked and reported on a frequent basis.
• Conduct/Participate in audits and Facilitated Self Assessments. Review self-assessment program and results of plant PSM self- assessments as part of quality control.
• Contribute to safety and process safety audits, inspections, and internal assessments.
• As custodian of the Management of Change (MOC) process, manage the process to ensure safe implementation of design or process changes.
• Monitor regulatory changes, publicly available information, and significant incidents at other chemical plants in the industry and make recommendations to the business where applicable
• Consult experts regarding PSM best practices and implements where applicable.

4. Project Management and Support.

• Participate in and Review Pre Start-up Safety Reviews (PSSRs) for new or modified plant or equipment or after extended shutdown periods.
• Collaborate with engineering and operations teams during project design and implementation to incorporate safety standards.
• Support process safety incident investigation, determine root causes, and recommend corrective and preventive actions.
• Support training programs related to chemical hazard awareness, emergency response, and process safety fundamentals.
• Give guidance regarding PSM topics and assist PSM Element Owners to address non-conformance in their areas.
• Support responsible employees who interface with regulatory agencies.

5. Related SHERQ Responsibilities

Knowledge/Skills/Competencies

• Extensive knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, No. 85 of 1993.
• Extensive knowledge of ISO 9001 and quality management system
• Extensive knowledge of hazardous chemical manufacturing and handling codes, preferably in a Chlor Alkali plant.
• Knowledgeable on different types of equipment related to chemical manufacturing plants.
• Skilled in hazard identification, risk assessment and root cause analysis
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical databooks.
• Experience in working with operational excellence, energy management and world class manufacturing principles.
• Experience in managing and coordinating projects, and continuous improvement activities.
• Experience in using SharePoint and Corrective Action Systems (i.e., Digilex)
• Knowledge on Operations Technology (i.e., SCADA, PLC, SAP IM and MES)
• Experienced in relationship building and cross collaboration at a senior level.
• Strategic management, planning, co-ordination, and control
• Technical custodian and ability to travel locally and internationally to technical conferences.
• In-depth knowledge of process engineering, HAZOP studies and LOPA.
• Extensive knowledge of the OHS Act and legal appointments.
• In-depth knowledge of Operations Technology (OT), MES systems, SCADA database, ERP software and Dashboard reporting
• Sound understanding of project management, contractor management, supplier management, change principles and continuous improvement.
• Computer literacy in SAP and MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Leadership and Team player
• Concern for standards
• Thorough and attention to detail
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Highly Analytical and Innovative
• Critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Presentation and negotiation skills
• Professionalism, Personal Ethics and Loyalty
• Values driven.

Experience

• 10 years in a chemical manufacturing plant environment, preferably chlor-alkali manufacturing.
• Experience in quality management and laboratory operations
• Experiencing in world class systems and operational excellence implementation
• Experience in developing and using an MES system for analysis of operational data
• Familiar with financial budgeting and capex management

Qualifications:

• Matric
• BSc, BEng Chemical Engineering.

Certifications/Training:

• Project management / PRINCE II certification and/or experience
• Professional Engineer (PR Eng).

Reporting structure:

This position reports to the Process Technical Services Manager

Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply, should the applicant be successful the incumbent will be reasonably accommodated depending on the inherent requirements of the job.

All applicants are thanked in advance for showing interest however correspondences will only be entered into with the shortlisted candidates.

Closing date: 27 May 2026

Recruitment for this position will be conducted with the intention progressing our Employment Equity policy, targets, and objectives. The Company reserves the right not to fill this position.