Process Engineer

Typical experience: 4–8 years.

A Process Engineer makes production better: higher yield, less waste, more consistent quality and lower cost per unit. They work in FMCG, food, chemical, plastics, packaging and other manufacturing settings, analysing how a process runs and designing improvements that the production team can sustain.

What the role involves

• Analysing process data to find losses in yield, quality and throughput
• Designing and running process trials, and scaling up new products
• Writing standard operating procedures and process specifications
• Supporting capital projects and equipment commissioning
• Leading root-cause investigations and continuous-improvement projects

Typically required

• BEng or BTech in Chemical, Industrial or Mechanical Engineering (or BSc in a relevant field)
• Hands-on production-floor experience in a comparable process
• Strong data analysis skills; Six Sigma or lean training is an advantage
• Good communication with operators, artisans and management

Red flags we screen for

• Projects described with no measurable result
• Laboratory or desk experience only, for a production role

How PKB Talent Partners recruits Process Engineers

We match candidates to your type of process first, because experience in a similar operation shortens the learning curve. Every candidate is screened on process knowledge, improvement results, salary and notice period, and submitted only with written consent.

Frequently asked questions

Process Engineer or Industrial Engineer?

A Process Engineer focuses on the technical process itself (chemistry, equipment, parameters). An Industrial Engineer focuses on how people, layout and workflow are organised for efficiency.

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Read more about how PKB Talent Partners recruits for this role on our Process & Chemical Engineer Recruitment South Africa page.

Role descriptions on this page are indicative and for general guidance only. Requirements and pay vary by employer, location and experience and are not a guarantee of any offer.