Chemical Process Development Engineer

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Professional development

Hybrid work model

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in East London, Eastern Cape, is seeking a Chemical Process Development Engineer. The role focuses on development, optimization, and scale-up of chemical processes, translating lab discoveries into robust manufacturing methods.

You will apply reaction engineering, process design, and scale-up principles, collaborating with R&D and manufacturing teams, while balancing remote data analysis with on-site oversight in East London.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in chemical process development.
• Strong knowledge of reaction engineering and process design.
• Experience with Aspen Plus or HYSYS and data interpretation.
• Experience in process safety evaluations and hazard analysis.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize chemical processes for new product introductions and existing lines.
• Conduct lab experiments and pilot plant trials to validate designs.
• Perform simulations to optimize conditions, yields, and throughput.
• Develop robust scale-up strategies with safety and efficiency in mind.
• Troubleshoot process issues during development and initial production.
• Prepare process development reports and technology transfer docs.
• Collaborate with R&D chemists, analytical scientists, and manufacturing engineers.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Evaluate new technologies to improve capabilities and TEC econ.

Skills

Reaction engineering

Process design

Scale-up

Data analysis

Statistics

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and innovative manufacturer in the specialty chemicals sector, is seeking a motivated Chemical Process Development Engineer to join their team in East London, Eastern Cape . This role is focused on the development, optimization, and scale-up of new and existing chemical processes. You will play a key role in translating laboratory discoveries into robust, commercially viable manufacturing methods. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of reaction engineering, process design, and scale-up principles, along with excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. This hybrid position offers the flexibility of remote work for data analysis and planning, combined with essential on-site collaboration and process oversight in East London . Join a company that values innovation, sustainability, and employee growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize chemical processes for new product introductions and existing product lines.
• Conduct laboratory experiments and pilot plant trials to validate process designs and gather performance data.
• Perform process simulations and modeling to optimize reaction conditions, yields, and throughput.
• Develop robust scale-up strategies, ensuring process safety, efficiency, and economic feasibility.
• Troubleshoot process issues encountered during development, scale-up, and initial production runs.
• Prepare comprehensive process development reports, scale-up summaries, and technology transfer documentation.
• Collaborate effectively with R&D chemists, analytical scientists, and manufacturing engineers.
• Ensure all process development activities comply with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Evaluate and implement new technologies to improve process development capabilities.
• Contribute to techno-economic assessments of new process concepts.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in chemical process development, scale-up, and optimization.
• Strong knowledge of chemical reaction engineering, separation processes, and process design principles.
• Demonstrated experience with process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS).
• Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation, with strong statistical understanding.
• Experience with process safety evaluations and hazard analysis techniques.
• Excellent problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, balancing remote and on-site responsibilities.
• Experience in the specialty chemicals industry is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and potential for annual bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Generous paid time off and retirement savings plan.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and attending industry conferences.
• Hybrid work model offering a balance of flexibility and engagement.
• A stimulating and collaborative work environment in East London .
• Career advancement opportunities within a growing company.
• Exposure to innovative chemical technologies and processes.
• Contribute to the development of high-value specialty chemicals.