Chemical Process Engineer - Pharmaceutical Intermediates

Placements24; Paarl; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Performance-based bonuses

Retirement savings plan

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Chemical Process Engineer with a strong background in organic chemistry and reaction engineering to join a predominantly remote role. You will develop and refine scalable synthesis routes, ensuring GMP-compliant processes and efficient technology transfer.

Collaborate with R&D, QA/QC, and manufacturing teams in a virtual environment to drive process optimization and safety initiatives.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or Organic Chemistry from an accredited university.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process development and scale-up in pharmaceutical or fine chemical industries.
• Proficiency with process simulation software (Aspen Plus, Chemcad) is essential.
• Experience with GMP requirements and validation processes in the pharmaceutical sector.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, crucial for remote work.
• Familiarity with process safety management principles.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize chemical processes for synthesis of pharmaceutical intermediates and APIs.
• Conduct process modeling and simulation to evaluate design options and efficiencies.
• Prepare detailed PFDs, P&IDs, and mass/energy balances.
• Oversee pilot-scale trials and support scale-up to commercial manufacturing.
• Troubleshoot process deviations and implement CAPAs.
• Ensure GMP, safety, and environmental compliance.
• Write technical reports, validation protocols, and batch records.
• Collaborate with R&D, QA/QC, and manufacturing in a virtual environment.
• Manage process safety information and conduct risk assessments.
• Stay abreast of advancements in pharmaceutical manufacturing technologies and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Organic chemistry

Reaction engineering

Process scale-up

Remote work capability

Education

Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering or Organic Chemistry

Tools

Aspen Plus

Chemcad

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading manufacturer of pharmaceutical intermediates and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), is seeking a skilled Chemical Process Engineer to join their innovative and expanding operations. This role is primarily remote, allowing you to contribute significantly to process design, optimization, and troubleshooting from your home office. You will be instrumental in developing and refining chemical synthesis routes, ensuring scalability, efficiency, and adherence to stringent quality and regulatory standards (e.g., GMP). The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in organic chemistry, reaction engineering, and process scale-up, with a keen eye for detail and a commitment to excellence. You will collaborate closely with research chemists, quality assurance teams, and manufacturing personnel to facilitate seamless technology transfer and optimize production processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize chemical processes for the synthesis of pharmaceutical intermediates and APIs.
• Conduct process modeling and simulation to evaluate design options and identify efficiencies.
• Prepare detailed process flow diagrams (PFDs), P&IDs, and mass/energy balances.
• Oversee pilot-scale trials and support the scale-up of processes to commercial manufacturing.
• Troubleshoot process deviations and implement corrective and preventative actions (CAPAs).
• Ensure all process activities comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), safety regulations, and environmental standards.
• Write comprehensive technical reports, validation protocols, and batch manufacturing records.
• Collaborate effectively with R&D, QA/QC, and manufacturing teams in a virtual environment.
• Manage process safety information and conduct risk assessments for new and existing processes.
• Stay abreast of advancements in pharmaceutical manufacturing technologies and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or Organic Chemistry from an accredited university.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process development and scale-up, specifically within the pharmaceutical or fine chemical industry.
• In-depth knowledge of reaction kinetics, organic synthesis, and separation techniques.
• Proficiency with process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, Chemcad) is essential.
• Experience with GMP requirements and validation processes in the pharmaceutical sector.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, crucial for remote work.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a virtual team setting.
• Familiarity with process safety management principles.
• A proactive approach to ensuring quality and compliance.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health insurance, performance-based bonuses, and retirement savings plans.
• This is a fully remote position offering flexibility and a focus on work-life balance.
• The company provides significant opportunities for professional development, including access to specialized training and participation in industry conferences.
• You will have the chance to work on impactful projects involving cutting-edge pharmaceutical manufacturing technologies from Paarl, Western Cape (though the role is remote), contributing to the development of life‑saving medicines.