Chemical Engineer - Fine Chemicals Scale-Up

Placements24; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Life insurance

Annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a skilled Chemical Engineer to lead scale-up initiatives for fine chemicals and APIs in Paarl, Western Cape. The role focuses on translating lab processes to pilot and commercial manufacturing with emphasis on safety, efficiency, and process optimization.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in process development, strong kinetics/thermodynamics knowledge, and hands-on pilot plant experience. Aspen Plus proficiency is preferred, with a proactive problem-solving approach.

Qualifications

• M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering or closely related field.
• Minimum 5 years in process development and scale-up.
• Experience scaling up complex organic synthesis reactions.
• Proficiency with Aspen Plus and statistical analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead scale-up of chemical processes from lab to pilot and commercial scales.
• Design and execute pilot plant trials to validate parameters.
• Develop process descriptions, mass and energy balances, and P&IDs.
• Conduct PHAs and ensure safety compliance.
• Troubleshoot deviations during scale-up and production runs.
• Collaborate with R&D and production to transfer technology.
• Specify and procure pilot plant equipment and instrumentation.
• Optimize processes for yield, throughput and cost.
• Prepare technical reports and present findings to management.

Skills

Reaction engineering

Thermodynamics

Transport phenomena

Problem solving

Technical communication

Education

M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly reputable producer of fine chemicals and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), is seeking a skilled Chemical Engineer specializing in scale‑up for their facility in Paarl, Western Cape . This challenging role requires a meticulous approach to translating laboratory processes into robust, safe, and efficient pilot‑scale and commercial manufacturing operations. You will work closely with R&D chemists and plant operations teams to ensure successful process transfer and optimization. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of reaction engineering, thermodynamics, and separation processes, coupled with hands‑on experience in pilot plant operations and process development. This is an opportunity to contribute to the production of high‑value chemicals critical to various industries, including pharmaceuticals and specialty materials. You will play a key part in driving innovation and ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety in our manufacturing processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the scale‑up of chemical processes from laboratory to pilot and commercial scales.
• Design and execute pilot plant trials to validate process parameters and identify potential issues.
• Develop detailed process descriptions, mass and energy balances, and P&IDs for new processes.
• Conduct process hazard analyses (PHAs) and ensure adherence to safety protocols.
• Troubleshoot process deviations during scale‑up and commercial runs.
• Collaborate with R&D chemists and production engineers to ensure seamless technology transfer.
• Specify and procure pilot plant equipment and instrumentation.
• Optimize existing processes for improved yield, throughput, and cost‑effectiveness.
• Prepare technical reports and present findings to management and project teams.

Requirements

• M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process development and scale‑up, preferably in fine chemicals or pharmaceuticals.
• Proven experience in scaling up complex organic synthesis reactions.
• Strong understanding of chemical reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and transport phenomena.
• Hands‑on experience with pilot plant operations and equipment design.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus) and statistical analysis.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and a proactive approach.
• Strong technical communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet project deadlines.
• Employees are entitled to generous annual leave and sick leave.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive annual salary, performance‑based incentives, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, retirement fund, and life insurance.
• This role is based at our modern facility in Paarl, Western Cape .
• Opportunities for professional development, including advanced training and conference participation, are provided.
• We foster a collaborative and innovative work environment.
• Employees are entitled to generous annual leave and sick leave.
• Join a company at the forefront of fine chemical manufacturing and contribute to life‑changing products.