Chemical Engineer - Process Design & Scale-Up

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Performance-related bonuses

Training and conference opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Mahikeng, North West, seeks a Senior Chemical Engineer with strong expertise in process design and scale-up to bridge laboratory discoveries to commercial production. You will lead design, development, and scale-up efforts, coordinating with R&D and manufacturing to ensure safe, cost-effective transitions from pilot to full-scale production.

The role emphasizes process safety, thermodynamics, and separation technologies, with opportunities to shape innovative chemical products

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of 6 years experience in process design, development and scale-up.
• Hands-on pilot plant operations and safety experience.
• Experience with Aspen HYSYS or CHEMCAD preferred.
• Knowledge of PSM principles and HAZOP studies.
• Strong analytical, writing and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and in teams.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop new chemical processes from conceptualization through pilot plant and commercial scale.
• Conduct process simulations, modeling, and experimental studies to optimize parameters.
• Prepare PFDs, P&IDs, and equipment specifications.
• Manage pilot plant operations and trials, ensuring safety and efficiency.
• Troubleshoot issues during scale-up and initial plant operation.
• Perform PHAs and risk assessments for new processes.
• Collaborate with R&D, plant engineers, and project managers through the lifecycle.
• Ensure safety, environmental compliance, and economic viability.
• Document findings, designs, and procedures thoroughly.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Process design

Scale-up

Pilot plant operations

Hazop studies

PSM

Project management

Technical writing

Communication

Reaction engineering

Thermodynamics

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Master's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen HYSYS

CHEMCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a growing force in the specialty chemicals market, is seeking a dedicated Chemical Engineer with expertise in Process Design and Scale-Up to join their innovative team in Mahikeng, North West . This role is instrumental in bridging the gap between laboratory discoveries and commercial production, focusing on the design, development, and successful scale-up of new chemical processes. You will work closely with R&D and manufacturing teams to ensure efficient, safe, and cost-effective transition of technologies from pilot to full-scale production. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of novel chemical products and processes.

Key Responsibilities

Design and develop new chemical processes, from conceptualization through to pilot plant and commercial scale. Conduct process simulations, modeling, and experimental studies to optimize process parameters. Prepare detailed Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), and equipment specifications. Manage pilot plant operations and trials, ensuring safe and efficient execution. Troubleshoot process issues encountered during scale-up and initial plant operation. Perform process hazard analyses (PHAs) and risk assessments for new processes. Collaborate with R&D scientists, plant engineers, and project managers throughout the project lifecycle. Ensure processes are designed for safety, environmental compliance, and economic viability. Document research findings, process designs, and operational procedures thoroughly. Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives for existing manufacturing processes.

Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering. Minimum of 6 years of experience in process design, development, and scale-up, preferably in the specialty chemicals sector. Strong understanding of chemical reaction engineering, thermodynamics, and separation technologies. Hands-on experience with pilot plant operations and equipment. Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen HYSYS, CHEMCAD). Familiarity with Process Safety Management (PSM) principles and HAZOP studies. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills. Strong technical writing and communication abilities. Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid, retirement fund contributions, and performance-related bonuses. We are committed to fostering professional growth through continuous training, development programs, and opportunities to attend industry conferences. Employees work in a modern and well-equipped facility, contributing to cutting-edge chemical innovation. A supportive and collaborative work culture is maintained, encouraging teamwork and mutual respect. This role provides the satisfaction of seeing innovative chemical processes brought to life and making a tangible impact on product development and manufacturing.