Lead Chemical Process Development Engineer

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical and dental insurance

Retirement fund contribution

Annual performance bonuses

Career growth opportunities

Generous annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Lead Chemical Process Development Engineer to drive innovation at its Stellenbosch R&D facility. You will lead design, development and scaling of novel chemical processes, from bench tests to pilot validation, mentoring engineers and coordinating cross‑functional teams.

You will oversee PHAs/HAZOP studies, develop experimental plans, and translate designs into scalable equipment specs, ensuring safe technology transfer and timely milestones.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering with a strong focus on process development or related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in chemical process development and scale-up, with at least 3 years in a lead or supervisory role.
• Experience designing and operating pilot plants and scaling processes from lab to commercial levels.
• In‑depth knowledge of chemical reaction engineering, separation processes, and process control strategies.
• Proficiency with process simulation software (e.g., Aspen HYSYS, Aspen Plus) and design tools.
• Experience conducting and leading PHA/HAZOP studies.
• Strong project management skills, including budget and timeline management.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate and guide a technical team.
• Published research or patents in relevant chemical engineering fields are a significant advantage.

Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and development of new chemical processes, from bench‑scale experimentation to pilot plant operations.
• Oversee and manage a team of process development engineers and chemists, providing technical direction, mentorship, and performance feedback.
• Conduct thorough process hazard analyses (PHAs), including HAZOP studies, to ensure the inherent safety of developed processes.
• Develop and execute experimental plans for laboratory and pilot‑scale studies, meticulously analyzing results to inform process design.
• Translate process designs into robust PFDs, P&IDs, and equipment specifications suitable for scale‑up.
• Collaborate closely with R&D, engineering, manufacturing, and EHS departments to ensure successful technology transfer and implementation.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources effectively to meet development milestones.
• Stay abreast of new technologies, methodologies, and industry trends in chemical process development and scale‑up.
• Present technical findings and project updates to senior management and stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Team management

Communication

Project management

Strategic thinking

Innovation

Education

Ph.D. or Master's in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen HYSYS

Aspen Plus

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced and visionary Lead Chemical Process Development Engineer to spearhead innovation within their cutting‑edge research and development facility located in Stellenbosch, Western Cape . This pivotal role involves leading the design, development, and scaling of novel chemical processes from laboratory concept through to pilot plant validation. The ideal candidate will possess a strong scientific foundation, exceptional leadership capabilities, and a passion for pushing the boundaries of chemical engineering. You will be responsible for mentoring a team of talented engineers and scientists, driving project success, and ensuring the seamless integration of new technologies into our client's future production capabilities. This is a hands‑on role requiring significant collaboration with both internal departments and external partners, based entirely within our client's state‑of-the-art facilities in the scenic Western Cape .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and development of new chemical processes, from bench‑scale experimentation to pilot plant operations.
• Oversee and manage a team of process development engineers and chemists, providing technical direction, mentorship, and performance feedback.
• Conduct thorough process hazard analyses (PHAs), including HAZOP studies, to ensure the inherent safety of developed processes.
• Develop and execute experimental plans for laboratory and pilot‑scale studies, meticulously analyzing results to inform process design.
• Translate process designs into robust PFDs, P&IDs, and equipment specifications suitable for scale‑up.
• Collaborate closely with R&D, engineering, manufacturing, and EHS departments to ensure successful technology transfer and implementation.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources effectively to meet development milestones.
• Stay abreast of new technologies, methodologies, and industry trends in chemical process development and scale‑up.
• Present technical findings and project updates to senior management and stakeholders.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering with a strong focus on process development or related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in chemical process development and scale‑up, with at least 3 years in a lead or supervisory role.
• Demonstrated expertise in designing and operating pilot plants and scaling processes from lab to commercial levels.
• In‑depth knowledge of chemical reaction engineering, separation processes, and process control strategies.
• Proficiency with process simulation software (e.g., Aspen HYSYS, Aspen Plus) and design tools.
• Experience conducting and leading PHA/HAZOP studies.
• Strong project management skills, including budget and timeline management.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate and guide a technical team.
• Published research or patents in relevant chemical engineering fields are a significant advantage.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, comprehensive medical and dental insurance, a substantial retirement fund contribution, and annual performance bonuses.
• This role provides excellent opportunities for career growth, leadership development, and exposure to groundbreaking technologies.
• Employees benefit from a generous annual leave allowance, subsidized meals at the on‑site canteen, and access to on‑site recreational facilities.
• The position is based in a beautiful and vibrant region of the Western Cape , offering a high quality of life.