Chemical Engineer - Pharmaceutical Process Development

Placements24; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 1,100,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Generous paid time off

Relocation assistance may be available

Company-sponsored training programs

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Chemical Engineer to join the Process Development team in Paarl, Western Cape. The role focuses on developing and scaling up manufacturing processes for APIs, collaborating with chemists, formulation scientists and manufacturing staff to convert lab discoveries into robust, scalable production methods.

The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in chemical engineering principles, with emphasis on reaction engineering and separation technologies, and experience in GMP

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related scientific discipline required.
• 4+ years of experience in chemical engineering focusing on process development in pharma/biotech preferred.
• Strong understanding of reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, mass transfer and separation technologies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize chemical processes for APIs and intermediates.
• Scale-up from lab to pilot plant and commercial manufacturing.
• Ensure GMP compliance and support regulatory filings.

Skills

Chemical engineering principles

GMP knowledge

Process development experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field

Tools

Process simulation tools

Data analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic pharmaceutical company, is seeking a talented Chemical Engineer to join their Process Development team in Paarl, Western Cape . This role is integral to the development and scale-up of manufacturing processes for new pharmaceutical products. You will work closely with chemists, formulation scientists, and manufacturing personnel to translate laboratory discoveries into robust, commercial-scale production methods. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in chemical engineering principles, with a focus on reaction engineering, separation processes, and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices). We are looking for a motivated and detail-oriented individual who is passionate about bringing life-saving medicines to market. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a growing pharmaceutical enterprise in the beautiful Western Cape region, ensuring the highest standards of quality and efficiency in drug manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize chemical processes for the synthesis of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and intermediates.
• Perform process scale-up studies from laboratory to pilot plant and commercial manufacturing scales.
• Conduct experiments to evaluate critical process parameters and define operating ranges.
• Troubleshoot process deviations and implement corrective actions to ensure consistent product quality.
• Ensure all process development activities adhere to GMP guidelines and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with R&D, quality assurance, and manufacturing teams throughout the product lifecycle.
• Author technical reports, process descriptions, validation protocols, and batch records.
• Assist in the technology transfer of processes to manufacturing sites.
• Evaluate and recommend new process equipment and technologies.
• Support regulatory filings by providing relevant process information.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in chemical engineering, with a focus on process development, preferably within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
• Strong understanding of reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, mass transfer, and separation technologies.
• Experience with GMP manufacturing environments and regulatory guidelines (e.g., FDA, EMA) is essential.
• Proficiency in process simulation and data analysis tools.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to quality and safety.
• Must be legally eligible to work in South Africa .
• Willingness to work on-site in Paarl, Western Cape .

Benefits

• Competitive salary and annual bonus.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement benefits.
• Generous paid time off.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Exposure to innovative drug development processes.
• Supportive and collaborative team environment.
• Relocation assistance may be available.
• Company-sponsored training programs.
• Contribution to the development of essential medicines.
• Regular team events and social activities.