Chemical Engineer in Training

Sappi Southern Africa requires an Engineer -in- Training for a two year comprehensive training programme that contributes the knowledge and practical requirements to become a proficient chemical process engineer in the mill.

The Main Responsibilities of the role would be:

Job rotations and practical work as per ECSA standards:

• Conduct research on processes to produce substance s and items such as pulp and paper and other chemical products.


• Specify chemical production methods, equipment, materials and quality standards and ensur e that they conform to specifications and accepted industry practices and standards .


• Establish control standards and procedures to ensure safety of production operations and safety of workers operating equipment or working in close proximity to ongoing chemical reacti ons or processes.


• Perform tests throughout stages of production to determine degree of control over process variables including composition, temperature, density, specific gravity and pressure.


• Develop operating procedures to be employed during design and operating phases including start - up, shutdown and emergency


• Perform laboratory studies of steps in manufacture of new products and testing proposed processes in small scale operations such as a pilot plant .


• Optimise processes for improvement of prescribe d performance indices such as profitability, sustainability, energy, envi ronmental and carbon efficiency.


• Participate in and lead risk assessment studies (such as hazard and operability studies) during the design or operations phase.


• Evaluate environmental a nd legal considerations of process changes.


• Design activities:


• Design chemica l plant and equipment and devise p rocesses for manufacturing chemicals and other products while meeting targeted efficiencies


• Rotate through the mill and provide operational support to engineers in each section :


• Participate in plant forums, multi - disciplinary team meetings and engineering meetings to learn how the plant operates and to contribute professional advice .


• Investigate failure or underperformance of processes in the plant and recommend solutions to avoid recurrence.


• Assess existing plant design against process design specifications, health and safety requirements, process efficiency standards, environmental requirements , ergonomic considerations, life cycle costs and alternative solutions.


• Assist during plant shuts and machine start - ups.


• Assist engineers with process design project management activities including project scoping, pre - feasibility, business case development ( capital expense, operating cost and total cost of ownership ), resourcing, scheduling, and implementation.


• Assist engineers with trial runs or pilot plant implementation by monitoring the results of new processes and providing feedback on the results.


• Engage with external consultants assigned to projects to understand their role in the projects. Review proposals and provide recommendations on whether to proceed.


• Attend training or industry events to keep abreast of new developments in the pulp and paper industry

We require someone with:

• Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering


• Computer literacy


• No prior work experience is required