Chemical Process Development Engineer

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive health insurance

Advanced R&D facilities

Career development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an innovative Chemical Process Development Engineer to join their Richards Bay team. This on-site role focuses on researching and developing new chemical processes and optimizing existing ones, translating bench-scale discoveries into scalable production methods.

The successful candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering and 3–5 years of experience in process development or R&D within the chemical industry, with proficiency in process modeling and PHAs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering (required).
• 3–5 years in process development or R&D within the chemical industry.
• Proficiency with process modeling and simulation software.
• Strong knowledge of reaction kinetics, thermodynamics and separation technologies.
• Excellent analytical skills and meticulous attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments to develop and optimize chemical processes.
• Develop PFDs and P&IDs.
• Conduct pilot plant trials to validate designs and gather data.
• Perform PHAs and ensure safety standards compliance.
• Analyze data and recommend process improvements and scale-up.
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams for tech transfer to manufacturing.

Skills

Process modeling

Analytical skills

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an innovative Chemical Process Development Engineer to join their team in Richards Bay . This role is pivotal in the research and development of new chemical processes and the optimization of existing ones. You will work closely with the research team to translate bench‑scale discoveries into commercially viable production methods. This is an on‑site position requiring hands‑on involvement in laboratory and pilot plant operations. The successful candidate will possess a strong theoretical foundation in chemical engineering and practical experience in process design and validation, contributing to the company's technological advancement in the KwaZulu‑Natal region.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments to develop and optimize chemical processes.
• Develop process flow diagrams (PFDs) and piping & instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs).
• Conduct pilot plant trials to validate process designs and gather operational data.
• Perform process hazard analyses (PHAs) and ensure compliance with safety standards.
• Analyze experimental data and provide recommendations for process improvements and scale‑up.
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to facilitate smooth technology transfer to manufacturing.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• 3-5 years of experience in process development or research and development within the chemical industry.
• Proficiency in process modeling and simulation software.
• Strong understanding of reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and separation technologies.
• Excellent analytical skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a laboratory and pilot plant environment in Richards Bay .

Benefits

• Competitive salary and potential for annual bonuses.
• Comprehensive health insurance package.
• Access to advanced research facilities and equipment.
• Opportunities for career advancement and professional development.
• Be part of a forward‑thinking company driving innovation in the chemical sector.