Lead Chemical Process Development Engineer

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary

Performance-based bonus

Health insurance

Retirement savings plan

Leadership training

Job summary

Placements24 in Rustenburg, North West, seeks a Lead Chemical Process Development Engineer to translate laboratory discoveries into scalable, commercially viable manufacturing processes. This senior role blends theory with practical scale-up, and leads a team of engineers and technicians toward innovative solutions.

Responsibilities include piloting plant operations, creating PFDs and P&IDs, conducting HAZOP studies, and coordinating tech transfer with R&D and manufacturing. A Ph.D.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering with strong process development focus.
• Minimum 10 years in process development and scale-up.
• Proven leadership in managing technical projects and teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of novel chemical processes from concept to commercialization.
• Oversee pilot plant operations and data analysis to validate designs.
• Develop PFDs, P&IDs, and mass/energy balances.
• Conduct HAZOP studies and implement safety measures.
• Collaborate with R&D, engineering and manufacturing for technology transfer.
• Mentor and guide a team of engineers and technicians.
• Evaluate and select process equipment and technologies.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Process development

Scale-up

Hazop

Team mentoring

Process optimization

Technical reporting

Education

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

UniSim

JMP

Minitab

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in specialty chemicals, is seeking an accomplished Lead Chemical Process Development Engineer to spearhead their innovative research and development initiatives in Rustenburg, North West . This senior position involves translating laboratory discoveries into scalable, commercially viable manufacturing processes. The ideal candidate will possess a strong blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience in process design, optimization, and scale-up, with a passion for driving technological advancements in the chemical industry. This is a key leadership role within a company committed to pushing the boundaries of chemical science.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of novel chemical processes from concept through to commercialization, ensuring robustness and scalability.
• Oversee pilot plant operations and data analysis to validate process designs and optimize operating parameters.
• Develop detailed process flow diagrams (PFDs), piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), and mass/energy balances.
• Conduct thorough hazard and operability (HAZOP) studies and implement necessary safety measures.
• Collaborate closely with R&D chemists, engineers, and manufacturing personnel to ensure smooth technology transfer.
• Mentor and guide a team of process engineers and technicians, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Evaluate and select appropriate process equipment and technologies.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources effectively to achieve project milestones.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety, environmental, and quality standards.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering with a strong academic record and a focus on process development.
• At least 10 years of relevant industry experience, with significant time spent in process development and scale-up.
• Proven leadership experience in managing technical projects and teams.
• Extensive knowledge of chemical reaction engineering, thermodynamics, and separation technologies.
• Expertise in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, UniSim) and statistical modeling (e.g., JMP, Minitab).
• Hands-on experience with pilot plant operations and troubleshooting.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, problem-solving capabilities, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent report writing and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex technical information clearly.
• Strong understanding of chemical plant operations and safety regulations is mandatory.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive executive salary, a significant performance-based bonus, comprehensive health insurance, and an excellent retirement savings plan.
• The company provides unparalleled opportunities for professional growth, including leadership training, conference participation, and exposure to cutting-edge technologies.
• This role is based in Rustenburg, North West , offering a chance to contribute to a leading chemical enterprise.