Lead Chemical Engineer - New Product Development

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonus

Medical aid

Provident fund

Generous leave

Career progression opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Chemical Engineer in Sandton to drive New Product Development from concept to market. You will lead a team of engineers and chemists, oversee process development, scale-up, and initial manufacturing trials, ensuring safety, quality, and cost targets.

The role requires a Master’s in Chemical Engineering and 8+ years in chemical process development with a proven track record. Hybrid work balances on-site lab work in Sandton with remote analysis and reporting.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 8 years' experience in chemical process development and scale-up.
• Proven track record of bringing new chemical products to market.
• Experience with process simulation software and pilot plant operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead process development and scale-up of new chemical products from lab to pilot and commercial scales.
• Oversee design, construction, and operation of pilot plants for testing and validation.
• Develop detailed PFDs and P&IDs with equipment specs.
• Perform techno-economic evaluations and risk assessments for NPD projects.
• Collaborate with R&D, marketing, and manufacturing to ensure successful product launches.
• Mentor junior engineers and chemists on NPD projects.
• Ensure compliance with SHE regulations and company standards.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Scale-up expertise

Chem engineering expertise

Education

Master's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process simulation software

Pilot plant operations

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and rapidly growing company in the fine chemicals sector, is seeking a talented Lead Chemical Engineer to drive New Product Development (NPD) initiatives from their offices in Sandton, Gauteng. This role is pivotal in translating innovative chemical concepts into commercially viable products. You will lead a team of engineers and chemists, overseeing process development, scale-up, and initial manufacturing trials. Your expertise will be crucial in ensuring that new products meet market demands, quality standards, and cost targets, while adhering to rigorous safety and environmental protocols.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the process development and scale-up efforts for new chemical products from laboratory to pilot and commercial scales.
• Oversee the design, construction, and operation of pilot plants for testing and validating new processes.
• Develop detailed process flow diagrams (PFDs), piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), and equipment specifications.
• Conduct techno-economic evaluations and risk assessments for new product development projects.
• Collaborate with R&D, marketing, and manufacturing teams to ensure seamless product launch.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges encountered during process development and scale-up.
• Ensure all new processes comply with safety, health, environmental (SHE) regulations and company standards.
• Prepare comprehensive project reports, technical documentation, and presentations.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers and chemists involved in NPD projects.
• Stay current with new technologies and methodologies in chemical process development and manufacturing.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field from a recognized institution.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in chemical process development, with a significant focus on new product introduction and scale-up.
• Proven track record of successfully bringing new chemical products to market.
• Experience with process simulation software and laboratory/pilot plant operations.
• Strong understanding of reaction engineering, separation technologies, and process safety.
• Excellent leadership, project management, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, cross-functional team environment.
• Experience with hybrid work arrangements, balancing on-site laboratory/pilot plant work in Sandton with remote analysis and reporting.

Benefits

• This role offers a competitive salary, performance-based bonus, comprehensive medical aid, provident fund, generous leave, and excellent opportunities for career advancement within a growing organization.

Our client provides a stimulating environment focused on innovation and continuous improvement, supporting employee development and well-being. You will work on exciting projects that have the potential for significant market impact.