Process Development Engineer - Specialty Chemicals

Placements24; Queenstown; Hybrid; NZD 87,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonuses

Healthcare coverage

Retirement fund contributions

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Process Development Engineer for its Queenstown facility. The role involves translating laboratory innovations into scalable, safe manufacturing processes, piloting new reactions, and continuous improvement in collaboration with R&D and production teams.

A strong chemical engineering foundation and hands-on pilot plant experience are essential. The position offers a hybrid work arrangement with on-site requirements in Queenstown, plus opportunities for professional

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or equivalent.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in process development, scale-up, or production engineering in chemicals.
• Strong understanding of reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and mass transfer.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute pilot plant trials for new and existing chemical processes.
• Optimize process parameters to improve yield, purity, throughput and reduce costs.
• Develop process models and simulations to predict process behavior.

Skills

Reaction engineering

Process simulation

Data analysis

Analytical writing

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a niche producer of high-value specialty chemicals, is seeking a proactive Process Development Engineer for their facility in Queenstown, Eastern Cape . This role is vital in translating laboratory innovations into scalable, efficient, and safe manufacturing processes. You will be involved in piloting new chemical reactions, optimizing existing processes, and troubleshooting production challenges. The position requires a strong foundation in chemical engineering principles, particularly in reaction engineering and scale-up. This is a hybrid role, involving hands-on work in the pilot plant and laboratory, complemented by remote data analysis, simulation, and report writing. The ideal candidate is an analytical thinker with a passion for solving complex chemical engineering problems and a desire to contribute to the growth of a specialized chemical manufacturer. You will work closely with the R&D and production teams to drive process improvements and ensure the successful commercialization of new products. Our focus on innovation and continuous improvement creates a dynamic environment for chemical engineers.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute pilot plant trials for new and existing chemical processes.
• Optimize process parameters to improve yield, purity, throughput, and reduce costs.
• Develop process models and simulations to understand and predict process behavior.
• Scale-up processes from laboratory to pilot plant and assist in transfer to commercial manufacturing.
• Troubleshoot operational issues in pilot and commercial plants, identifying root causes and implementing solutions.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, process documentation, and P&IDs.
• Ensure process designs and operations comply with safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Collaborate with R&D chemists and production engineers to ensure seamless process integration.
• Evaluate new technologies and equipment for process improvement opportunities.
• Maintain safety protocols and conduct risk assessments for pilot operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in process development, scale-up, or production engineering within the chemical industry.
• Strong understanding of reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and mass transfer.
• Experience with process simulation software and data analysis is required.
• Hands-on experience with pilot plant operations or laboratory-scale process development.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and technical writing skills.
• Ability to work independently and effectively in a team environment.
• Familiarity with process safety principles and PHA methodologies.
• Must be comfortable working a hybrid schedule with significant on-site requirements in Queenstown .

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and retirement fund contributions. Opportunities for professional development and training are provided to support career growth. The hybrid work model offers flexibility. This role is based at our facility in Queenstown, Eastern Cape . Join a growing company focused on innovation in specialty chemicals.