Chemical Engineer - Pharmaceutical Process Development

Placements24; Kimberley; Hybrid; CAD 76,000 - 118,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Generous retirement plan

Hybrid work model

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Chemical Engineer for its Process Development team in Kimberley, Northern Cape. The role focuses on developing, scaling up, and optimizing API and intermediate manufacturing processes in collaboration with R&D chemists.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in organic synthesis, reaction engineering, and unit operations, with GMP experience. A hybrid setup offers hands-on pilot plant work and remote data analysis opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Strong knowledge of organic synthesis, reaction engineering, and unit operations.
• Experience with GMP regulations and pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize chemical processes for API and intermediate manufacturing.
• Execute laboratory and pilot-scale experiments to gather process data and troubleshoot issues.
• Perform scale-up studies, ensuring process robustness and safety.
• Develop and validate process models and simulation tools.
• Ensure GMP, safety, and environmental regulations compliance in all activities.
• Collaborate with R&D chemists, analytical scientists, and manufacturing personnel.
• Write detailed technical reports, batch records, and process validation documents.
• Contribute to the selection and specification of process equipment.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and cost reduction.

Skills

Organic synthesis

Reaction engineering

Unit operations

Process simulation

Data analysis

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Master's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process simulation software

Data analysis software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding pharmaceutical company focused on innovative drug development, is seeking a skilled Chemical Engineer for their Process Development team in Kimberley, Northern Cape. This role will involve the development, scale-up, and optimization of chemical processes used in the manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and intermediates. You will work closely with R&D chemists to translate laboratory syntheses into robust, reproducible, and scalable manufacturing processes, ensuring compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). The ideal candidate possesses a strong understanding of organic chemistry, reaction engineering, and pharmaceutical manufacturing principles. This hybrid role offers the opportunity to work hands‑on in pilot plant facilities while also benefiting from remote flexibility for data analysis and reporting. Be a key part of bringing life‑saving medicines to market from Kimberley, Northern Cape.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize chemical processes for API and intermediate manufacturing.
• Execute laboratory and pilot‑scale experiments to gather process data and troubleshoot issues.
• Perform scale‑up studies, ensuring process robustness and safety.
• Develop and validate process models and simulation tools.
• Ensure all process development activities comply with GMP, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Collaborate with R&D chemists, analytical scientists, and manufacturing personnel.
• Write detailed technical reports, batch records, and process validation documents.
• Contribute to the selection and specification of process equipment.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and cost reduction.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process development within the pharmaceutical or fine chemical industry.
• Strong knowledge of organic synthesis, reaction engineering, and unit operations.
• Experience with GMP regulations and pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.
• Proficiency in process simulation and data analysis software.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team.
• Experience with process safety assessments is desirable.
• Familiarity with PAT (Process Analytical Technology) is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, a generous retirement plan, and opportunities for professional growth and development in the pharmaceutical sector. We encourage continuous learning and provide access to advanced facilities and technologies. This hybrid role provides flexibility while ensuring essential hands‑on contributions.

Join our innovative team in Kimberley, Northern Cape and contribute to advancements in pharmaceutical manufacturing.