Chemical Process Development Engineer - Fine Chemicals

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

Benefits offered by this job

Annual performance bonus

Medical aid coverage

Provident fund

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Chemical Process Development Engineer in Polokwane to lead design, optimization, and scale-up of fine chemical synthesis routes and processes. You will bridge lab research and industrial production, ensuring efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness in a state-of-the-art facility.

Collaborating with chemists, analytical scientists, and engineers, you will analyze data, implement improvements, and ensure GMP-aligned documentation and compliance for high-value chemical

Qualifications

• B.Eng. or B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering required; a Master's degree or Ph.D. is advantageous.
• 3–6 years of experience in process development, preferably in fine chemical or pharmaceutical intermediates.
• Hands-on experience with chemical synthesis, reaction engineering, and purification techniques.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (ChemCad, Aspen HYSYS).
• Strong understanding of organic chemistry principles and reaction mechanisms.
• Experience with safety assessments and management of change procedures.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize synthetic routes and process parameters for fine chemical production.
• Scale-up processes from laboratory bench to pilot plant and commercial manufacturing.
• Conduct process hazard analyses (PHAs) and implement necessary safety controls.
• Utilize process simulation and modeling tools to predict process behavior and optimize performance.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex process issues encountered during development and production.
• Ensure all processes comply with quality, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Collaborate with R&D chemists, analytical scientists, and production engineers.
• Analyze process data, identify key performance indicators, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Prepare detailed process documentation, including batch records, SOPs, and validation reports.
• Stay informed about new technologies and methodologies in fine chemical synthesis and process engineering.

Skills

Chemical engineering

Analytical thinking

Project management

Communication

Education

B.Eng./B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering

Master's/PhD advantageous

Tools

ChemCad

Aspen HYSYS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading manufacturer of high-purity fine chemicals, is seeking a dedicated Chemical Process Development Engineer to join their innovative team in Polokwane, Limpopo. This role is central to developing and optimizing chemical synthesis routes and manufacturing processes for complex organic molecules. The successful candidate will bridge the gap between laboratory research and industrial-scale production, ensuring efficiency, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the advancement of fine chemical manufacturing within a company that values scientific excellence and sustainable practices. You will work in a state-of-the-art facility, collaborating with a team of experienced chemists and engineers.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize synthetic routes and process parameters for fine chemical production.
• Scale-up processes from laboratory bench to pilot plant and commercial manufacturing.
• Conduct process hazard analyses (PHAs) and implement necessary safety controls.
• Utilize process simulation and modeling tools to predict process behavior and optimize performance.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex process issues encountered during development and production.
• Ensure all processes comply with strict quality, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Collaborate with R&D chemists, analytical scientists, and production engineers.
• Analyze process data, identify key performance indicators, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Prepare detailed process documentation, including batch records, SOPs, and validation reports.
• Stay informed about new technologies and methodologies in fine chemical synthesis and process engineering.

Requirements

• B.Eng. or B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering is required; a Master's degree or Ph.D. is advantageous.
• 3-6 years of experience in process development, preferably within the fine chemical or pharmaceutical intermediate industry.
• Hands-on experience with chemical synthesis, reaction engineering, and purification techniques.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., ChemCad, Aspen HYSYS).
• Strong understanding of organic chemistry principles and reaction mechanisms.
• Experience with safety assessments and management of change procedures.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and experimental design skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for cross-functional collaboration.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of GMP principles is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, annual performance bonus, comprehensive medical aid coverage, and a provident fund.

The role in Polokwane offers the chance to work with sophisticated chemical processes and contribute to the production of high-value chemicals in a supportive and innovative environment.