Chemical Process Engineer - Scale-Up Specialist

Placements24; United States; Hybrid; USD 47,000 - 71,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance incentives

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Hybrid work

Job summary

Placements24 is partnering with a dynamic chemical manufacturer in Klerksdorp, North West, to recruit a Chemical Process Engineer with scale-up expertise. You will design and optimize pilot plant studies, translate lab procedures into robust manufacturing processes, and lead technology transfer between R&D and production.

The role emphasizes safety, PHAs, heat and mass transfer challenges, and collaboration with engineers to deliver scalable, compliant processes for new products.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Minimum 5 years of chemical process development and scale-up experience.
• Hands-on pilot plant operations experience essential.
• Experience with Aspen HYSYS or ChemCAD preferred.
• Knowledge of kinetics, thermodynamics, fluids, and separations.
• HAZOP and process safety familiarity.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks concurrently.

Responsibilities

• Lead pilot plant studies for new chemical processes.
• Translate lab procedures to scalable manufacturing processes.
• Resolve scale-up challenges involving heat and mass transfer.
• Develop operating procedures and safety guidelines for pilot and production plants.
• Collaborate with R&D chemists and engineers for technology transfer.
• Perform process hazard analyses (PHAs) for scale-up activities.
• Analyze data to optimize yields and reduce cycle times.
• Prepare technical reports on process development and scale-up findings.
• Support commissioning and start-up of new equipment.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.

Skills

Pilot plant operations

Scale-up experience

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen HYSYS

ChemCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic manufacturer of innovative chemical compounds, is seeking a dedicated Chemical Process Engineer with a specialization in scale-up to join their team in Klerksdorp, North West . This role is essential for bridging the gap between laboratory research and full-scale industrial production, ensuring that new processes are developed efficiently and safely. You will be responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing pilot plant operations, troubleshooting scale-up challenges, and contributing to the successful commercialization of new products. The ideal candidate possesses a strong foundation in chemical engineering principles, practical hands-on experience, and excellent problem-solving skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of pilot plant studies for new chemical processes.
• Translate laboratory-scale procedures into robust, scalable manufacturing processes.
• Identify and resolve technical challenges associated with process scale-up, including heat and mass transfer issues.
• Develop detailed operating procedures and safety guidelines for pilot and production plants.
• Collaborate with R&D chemists and engineers to ensure seamless technology transfer.
• Conduct process hazard analyses (PHAs) for scale-up activities.
• Analyze process data to optimize yields, reduce cycle times, and minimize waste.
• Prepare technical reports documenting process development and scale-up findings.
• Support the commissioning and start-up of new manufacturing equipment and processes.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in chemical process development and scale-up.
• Hands-on experience with pilot plant operations and equipment is essential.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen HYSYS, ChemCAD) is preferred.
• Strong understanding of chemical kinetics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and separation processes.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
• Familiarity with HAZOP studies and process safety principles.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks concurrently.
• Experience in batch or continuous processing is advantageous.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, performance incentives, comprehensive medical aid, and retirement fund contributions.
• Professional development opportunities, including further training and conference attendance, are provided.
• This role operates on a hybrid basis, allowing for a blend of on-site work in Klerksdorp, North West , and remote flexibility to support work-life balance.