Pretoria: Chemical Process Engineer

About the Role

We are seeking a highly skilled Chemical Process Engineer to join our team in Pretoria, South Africa. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing and developing efficient groundwater treatment systems that meet the client’s specific requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Characterise raw water from boreholes, surface sources, or blended sources; specify the analytical scope required for design.
• Select and size unit operations: pretreatment (screening, sedimentation, coagulation/flocculation), filtration (multimedia, granular activated carbon, membrane), disinfection (chlorine, UV, ozone), softening, demineralisation (RO, ion exchange), and advanced oxidation as required.
• Produce mass and energy balances, hydraulic profiles, equipment specifications, and operating philosophy for the plant.
• Verify compliance with SANS 241 (potable), DWS general and special limits, and any fit-for-purpose standards specific to the client’s use case.
• Process documentation across all six ECSA stages: Stage 12 Inception briefing, raw water assessment, treatment options analysis, capex/opex feasibility, basis of design; Stage 34 Developed design, P&IDs and PFDs, equipment data sheets, specifications, BoQs, tender documentation; Stage 56 Construction support, commissioning, performance verification, O&M manuals, close-out.
• Lead or participate in HAZOP studies; integrate findings into SOPs and control philosophy.
• Apply applicable SANS, ASME, and EN standards; document deviations with engineering justification.
• Engage with DWS on Water Use Authorisations (NWA Section 21 use entitlements) when groundwater abstraction is involved.
• Coordinate with civil engineers (foundations, drainage, civil works around the plant), mechanical engineers (pumps, blowers, piping), electrical / C&I engineers (instrumentation, SCADA, MCC), and Company (implementation).
• Translate process requirements into clear deliverables for other disciplines; resolve interface issues.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• Relevant experience in groundwater treatment design and operation.
• Strong knowledge of SANS 241, DWS general and special limits, and fit-for-purpose standards.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word) and ability to learn Python or Excel-based optimisation tools.

Qualifications

• Formal education/certifications in Chemical Engineering or related field.

Salary & Benefits

Salary: TBA.