Chemical Process Development Engineer

Placements24; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Annual bonus

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Job summary

Placements24 in Paarl, Western Cape, seeks a Chemical Process Development Engineer to drive lab and pilot-scale synthesis development. You will scale chemist-driven concepts, optimize parameters, and ensure robust, safe, and economically viable processes for commercial production.

The role involves designing experiments, developing scalable processes, analyzing data, and collaborating with R&D chemists, engineers and production teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• 3–5 years in chemical process development, scale-up, or R&D.
• Hands-on experience with lab equipment and pilot plant operations.
• Proficiency with process simulation software (Aspen Plus, Chemcad).
• Strong knowledge of kinetics, thermodynamics, and reaction engineering.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills; able to work independently and in teams.
• Good written and verbal communication; familiarity with SHE.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments for process development at lab and pilot scales.
• Develop scalable, robust chemical processes for new products.
• Analyze data, interpret results, and propose process improvements.
• Troubleshoot issues during development and scale-up phases.
• Develop process models and simulations to predict performance.
• Prepare PFDs, safety assessments, and technical reports.
• Collaborate with R&D chemists, engineers, and production teams.
• Ensure SHE standards are followed in all development activities.
• Assist technology transfer of processes to manufacturing.
• Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks and documentation.

Skills

Process development

Scale-up

Data analysis

Experimental design

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Safety assessment

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

Chemcad

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a growing innovator in the fine chemicals sector, is looking for a talented Chemical Process Development Engineer to join their research and development team in Paarl, Western Cape . This role is focused on the laboratory and pilot-scale development of new chemical synthesis routes and manufacturing processes. You will be responsible for taking chemist-driven concepts and scaling them up, optimizing parameters, and ensuring the processes are robust, safe, and economically viable for commercial production. This is a fantastic opportunity for a hands‑on engineer passionate about bringing new chemical products to market.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments for process development and optimization at laboratory and pilot scales.
• Develop scalable and robust chemical processes for new product introduction.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and propose process improvements.
• Troubleshoot process issues encountered during development and scale‑up phases.
• Develop process models and simulations to predict performance and identify optimal operating conditions.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, process flow diagrams (PFDs), and safety assessments.
• Collaborate closely with R&D chemists, engineers, and production teams.
• Ensure all development activities adhere to safety, health, and environmental (SHE) standards.
• Assist in the technology transfer of developed processes to manufacturing facilities.
• Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks and documentation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in chemical process development, scale-up, or R&D roles.
• Hands‑on experience with laboratory equipment and pilot plant operations.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, Chemcad).
• Strong understanding of chemical kinetics, thermodynamics, and reaction engineering.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and experimental design skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with safety assessment techniques.
• Experience in the fine chemicals or specialty chemicals industry is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, annual bonus, medical aid, and retirement fund contributions.
• This position, based in the scenic region of Paarl, Western Cape , offers the chance to work in a state‑of‑the‑art R&D facility.
• You will be part of an innovative company culture with excellent opportunities for professional growth and development in the field of chemical process innovation.
• We provide a supportive work environment and encourage participation in relevant industry conferences and training.