Chemical Engineer - Pharmaceutical Process Development

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Pension fund

Life assurance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Chemical Engineer to join the Process Development team in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. The role focuses on development, optimization, and scale-up of synthesis and purification for APIs and intermediates within a GMP environment.

You will work in a state-of-the-art lab and pilot plant, collaborating with chemists and formulation scientists to deliver safe, reproducible manufacturing. A strong background in organic chemistry, reaction engineering, crystallization, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering with strong GMP experience.
• At least 5 years of pharmaceutical process development or API manufacturing experience.
• Strong knowledge of organic chemistry, kinetics and thermodynamics.
• Experience with lab-to-pilot scale-up and analytical method development.
• Proficient in process simulation software (Aspen Plus or CHEMCAD).

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize API synthesis routes for scale-up from lab to pilot plant.
• Design experiments and perform process scale-up, including crystallization and purification.
• Model and simulate processes to predict performance and optimize operating conditions.
• Troubleshoot issues, identify root causes, and implement improvements.
• Prepare process descriptions, P&IDs, and equipment specifications.
• Collaborate with manufacturing for tech transfer and ensure GMP compliance.
• Conduct PHAs and implement safety measures.
• Document results and present findings to cross-functional teams.

Skills

Organic chemistry

Reaction engineering

Crystallization

Separation technologies

Process modeling

GMP familiarity

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

CHEMCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly growing pharmaceutical company, is seeking a talented Chemical Engineer to join their Process Development team in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. This role is critical for the development, optimization, and scale-up of chemical synthesis and purification processes for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and intermediates. You will work in a state-of-the-art laboratory and pilot plant facility, collaborating with chemists and formulation scientists to ensure the efficient, safe, and reproducible manufacturing of high-quality pharmaceutical products. The ideal candidate possesses a strong foundation in organic chemistry, reaction engineering, crystallization, and separation technologies, coupled with experience in a regulated (GMP) environment. This position offers significant opportunities for professional growth and contribution to life-saving medicines. We are looking for a detail-oriented and innovative engineer who is passionate about pharmaceutical manufacturing and committed to scientific rigor.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize chemical synthesis routes for APIs and key intermediates.
• Design and execute experiments for process scale-up from laboratory to pilot plant.
• Perform process modeling and simulation to predict and optimize reaction and purification performance.
• Troubleshoot process issues, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for in-process controls and final product release.
• Prepare detailed process descriptions, P&IDs, and equipment specifications.
• Ensure all process development activities comply with GMP, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to support technology transfer and process implementation.
• Conduct process hazard analyses (PHAs) and implement safety measures.
• Prepare technical reports and present findings to cross-functional teams.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• 5+ years of experience in pharmaceutical process development, API manufacturing, or related fields.
• Strong understanding of organic chemistry, reaction kinetics, and thermodynamics.
• Experience with unit operations such as reaction, distillation, crystallization, filtration, and drying.
• Familiarity with GMP regulations and quality systems in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, CHEMCAD) is desirable.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and experimental design skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team.
• Experience with PAT (Process Analytical Technology) is a plus.
• Ability to work in a hybrid model, balancing lab/plant work with remote tasks.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, pension fund, and life assurance.
• Opportunities for continuous learning, professional development, and career advancement are provided.
• This full-time position based in Nelspruit offers the chance to work on impactful pharmaceutical projects within a supportive and innovative environment.