Process Engineer – Brewing & Distilling (Durban)

About the role

The Process Engineer will support the design, development and delivery of brewing and distilling process systems for industrial projects in Durban. The role covers the full project lifecycle, from concept and calculations through documentation, multidisciplinary coordination and on‑site commissioning, while ensuring compliance with safety, quality and performance standards.

Key responsibilities

• Review project deliverables to define and confirm process requirements.
• Develop process flow diagrams (PFDs), piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs) and equipment layouts.
• Design and optimise brewing and distilling processes to meet product specifications, safety and performance goals.
• Perform process simulations, troubleshoot design or operational issues, and create specifications for piping, insulation, instrumentation and equipment.
• Prepare tender and RFQ documentation, material take‑offs (MTOs) and liaise with suppliers on specifications and delivery.
• Develop functional design specifications (FDS) and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Conduct risk assessments including FMEA, HAZOP, hazardous area classification (HAC) and LOPA.
• Support on‑site commissioning activities, including mechanical completion verification, punch‑listing, cold and hot commissioning, performance testing and final hand‑over.

Required profile

• Professional proficiency in English.
• Minimum 3–4 years of experience in process engineering or project management within the brewing, distilling or food manufacturing industry.

Required skills

• Creation of Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs) and Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs).
• Process simulation and troubleshooting.
• Piping, insulation and instrumentation specification.
• Material take‑off (MTO) preparation.
• Risk assessment methods: FMEA, HAZOP, HAC, LOPA.
• Functional Design Specification (FDS) drafting.
• Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) development.