Chemical Engineer - Process Development and Scale-Up (Fine Chemicals)

Placements24; Soweto; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Life insurance

Paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Soweto is seeking a Chemical Engineer to join the process development team in a hybrid role blending on-site lab work with remote collaboration. You will develop scalable synthesis routes for fine chemicals and APIs, optimize reaction parameters, and transfer processes to production while ensuring GMP compliance and safe operations.

Strong collaboration with chemists and engineers is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or Organic Chemistry from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in process development, scale-up, and optimization within the fine chemical or pharmaceutical industry.
• Strong background in organic synthesis and reaction engineering.
• Experience with laboratory and pilot plant equipment for chemical synthesis.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, ChemCAD) and statistical analysis is a plus.
• Understanding of GMP principles and regulatory compliance in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a hybrid team environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize chemical synthesis routes for fine chemicals and APIs from lab scale to pilot scale.
• Design and execute experiments to study reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and process parameters.
• Perform process safety evaluations, including hazard assessments and risk mitigation strategies for chemical reactions.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues encountered during process development and scale-up.
• Develop process models and simulations to predict performance and optimize operating conditions.
• Generate detailed process documentation, including batch records, SOPs, and technology transfer packages.
• Collaborate with analytical teams to develop in-process controls and analytical methods.
• Ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Assist in the commissioning and validation of new equipment and processes.
• Stay updated on advancements in organic synthesis, process chemistry, and relevant engineering technologies.

Skills

Organic synthesis

Reaction engineering

Process simulation software

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or Organic Chemistry

Tools

Aspen Plus

ChemCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a reputable manufacturer of fine chemicals and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), is seeking a talented Chemical Engineer to join their process development team. This role offers a hybrid work arrangement, balancing essential on-site laboratory and pilot plant work with the flexibility of remote engagement. You will be instrumental in developing robust and scalable chemical processes for the synthesis of complex organic molecules. The position requires a strong understanding of organic chemistry principles, reaction engineering, and process scale-up challenges. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, analytical, and possesses excellent problem-solving skills, with a passion for translating laboratory discoveries into efficient manufacturing processes. You will collaborate closely with chemists, analysts, and production engineers to ensure seamless technology transfer and consistent product quality in Soweto.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize chemical synthesis routes for fine chemicals and APIs from lab scale to pilot scale.
• Design and execute experiments to study reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and process parameters.
• Perform process safety evaluations, including hazard assessments and risk mitigation strategies for chemical reactions.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues encountered during process development and scale-up.
• Develop process models and simulations to predict performance and optimize operating conditions.
• Generate detailed process documentation, including batch records, SOPs, and technology transfer packages.
• Collaborate with analytical teams to develop in-process controls and analytical methods.
• Ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Assist in the commissioning and validation of new equipment and processes.
• Stay updated on advancements in organic synthesis, process chemistry, and relevant engineering technologies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or Organic Chemistry from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in process development, scale-up, and optimization within the fine chemical or pharmaceutical industry.
• Strong background in organic synthesis and reaction engineering.
• Experience with laboratory and pilot plant equipment for chemical synthesis.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, ChemCAD) and statistical analysis is a plus.
• Understanding of GMP principles and regulatory compliance in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a hybrid team environment.
• Ability to manage time effectively and work independently on assigned tasks.
• Familiarity with process safety assessment techniques.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, performance bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, a retirement fund, and life insurance. Employees benefit from generous paid time off and excellent opportunities for professional development, including specialized training in GMP and process chemistry. The hybrid work model offers flexibility for employees based in Soweto. Join a company dedicated to producing high-quality fine chemicals and contributing to advancements in various industries.