Chemical Engineer - Specialty Chemicals Manufacturing

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 479,000 - 628,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Competitive daily rate

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Chemical Engineer for a key remote-based project in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. The role focuses on process optimization, scale-up, and ensuring efficient production of niche chemical products while enabling flexible work arrangements across South Africa.

The ideal candidate will have a strong theoretical foundation and at least 5 years of hands-on experience in chemical manufacturing, with familiarity in GMP/ISO standards and process simulation tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering required.
• At least 5 years of hands-on chemical manufacturing experience.
• Solid understanding of reaction engineering and thermodynamics.
• Experience with quality and safety standards (GMP/ISO) is a plus.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and optimize existing specialty chemical production processes.
• Assist scale-up from lab to pilot and commercial scales.
• Develop process control strategies for quality and consistency.
• Identify cost reduction and yield improvement opportunities.
• Contribute to PHAs and risk assessments.
• Prepare batch records and operating procedures.
• Collaborate with production and R&D teams in remote setup.

Skills

Process optimization

Scale-up

Analytical thinking

Verbal communication

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent manufacturer of high-performance specialty chemicals, is seeking a dedicated Chemical Engineer for a key project role based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. This position focuses on process optimization, scale-up, and ensuring efficient production of niche chemical products. The ideal candidate will possess a strong theoretical foundation combined with practical experience in a manufacturing environment. You will contribute significantly to improving production efficiency, product consistency, and cost-effectiveness. This role offers an excellent opportunity to gain diverse experience within the specialty chemicals sector and contribute to the ongoing success of a well-regarded organization. While the position is based in Durban, this specific role is structured as a fully remote opportunity, offering flexibility to candidates across South Africa.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze and optimize existing manufacturing processes for specialty chemical production.
• Assist in the scale-up of new chemical processes from laboratory to pilot and commercial scales.
• Develop and implement process control strategies to ensure product quality and consistency.
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction and yield improvement.
• Conduct root cause analysis for production deviations and implement corrective actions.
• Prepare detailed process documentation, including batch records and operating procedures.
• Collaborate with the production team to troubleshoot manufacturing challenges.
• Support the R&D team in the transfer of new products to manufacturing.
• Ensure adherence to all safety, quality, and environmental standards.
• Participate in process hazard analyses (PHAs) and risk assessments.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• At least 5 years of hands-on experience in a chemical manufacturing environment, preferably in specialty chemicals.
• Solid understanding of chemical reaction engineering, separation processes, and thermodynamics.
• Experience with process simulation software is an advantage.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) and ISO standards.
• Experience with statistical process control (SPC) is beneficial.
• Must be comfortable working in a fully remote capacity, demonstrating self-discipline and proactive communication.

Benefits

• This is a contract position offering a competitive daily rate of R 3000.
• The role is fully remote, providing significant flexibility.
• Our client is committed to providing a supportive virtual work environment and encourages professional growth.
• While not physically located in Durban, you will be contributing to a dynamic company with a strong reputation in the chemical industry.
• This role is ideal for an experienced Chemical Engineer seeking a challenging project with remote work flexibility.
• You will be an integral part of a team focused on delivering high-quality chemical products.