Chemical Process Engineer - Scale-Up Specialist

Placements24; Paarl; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Performance bonuses

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Chemical Process Engineer in Paarl, Western Cape, to bridge lab innovation and commercial manufacturing. You will design, operate, and analyze pilot plant trials, and develop scale-up strategies ensuring robust, safe, and economical processes for larger scales.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's or Master’s in Chemical Engineering with 3–5 years of scale-up and pilot plant experience, knowledge of reaction engineering, thermodynamics, and process simulation, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering.
• 3–5 years of experience in process engineering with a focus on scale-up and pilot plant operations.
• Solid understanding of chemical reaction engineering, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics.
• Experience with process simulation and modelling tools.
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
• Good communication and teamwork skills; familiarity with cGMP is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and analyze pilot plant trials for new and existing chemical processes.
• Develop process scale-up strategies, considering mass transfer, heat transfer, and reaction kinetics.
• Create PFDs and P&IDs for pilot and commercial scale operations.
• Perform PHAs and implement safety measures for scale-up.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues in pilot plant operations and scale-up.
• Collaborate with R&D chemists and engineers for technology transfer.
• Optimize processes for yield, purity, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact.
• Prepare comprehensive reports on pilot studies and scale-up feasibility.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and quality regulations.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s/Master’s in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process simulation tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a specialist in fine chemicals production, is looking for a skilled Chemical Process Engineer with a focus on scale-up to join their dynamic team in Paarl, Western Cape. This role is central to bridging the gap between laboratory innovation and commercial manufacturing, ensuring that newly developed processes are robust, safe, and economically viable at larger scales. You will be involved in pilot plant design and operation, process data analysis, and the implementation of scale-up strategies. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in chemical engineering principles, practical experience with pilot studies, and excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills. This is a rewarding opportunity to contribute directly to bringing innovative chemical products to market. Our client fosters a collaborative environment and offers excellent prospects for professional growth. You will work closely with R&D and production teams to achieve seamless transitions.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and analyze pilot plant trials for new and existing chemical processes.
• Develop process scale-up strategies, considering mass transfer, heat transfer, and reaction kinetics.
• Create detailed Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs) and Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) for pilot and commercial scale operations.
• Perform process hazard assessments (PHAs) and implement appropriate safety measures for scale-up.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues encountered during pilot plant operations and scale-up.
• Collaborate with R&D chemists and engineers to ensure successful technology transfer.
• Optimize processes for yield, purity, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact during scale-up.
• Prepare comprehensive reports on pilot plant studies and scale-up feasibility.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety, environmental, and quality regulations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• 3-5 years of experience in process engineering, with a specific focus on process scale-up and pilot plant operations.
• Solid understanding of chemical reaction engineering, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics.
• Experience with process simulation and modeling tools.
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills.
• Excellent problem‑solving abilities and attention to detail.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team.
• Familiarity with cGMP or other quality systems is a plus.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Paarl, Western Cape , with a hybrid work arrangement.

Benefits

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including medical aid, a provident fund, and performance bonuses. Opportunities for continuous learning and professional development, including specialized training courses, are provided. This hybrid role offers a balance between site-based work and flexible remote days. You will be part of a team working on exciting new product introductions and process innovations. Our client offers a stable work environment with excellent long-term career prospects.