Lead Chemical Process Development Engineer - Specialty Chemicals

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private healthcare

Life insurance

Pension plan

International collaboration

Advanced training programs

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Chemical Process Development Engineer in Cape Town to spearhead R&D translating lab discoveries into scalable manufacturing processes. You will lead a team of engineers and scientists, driving innovation from concept to pilot-scale trials and industrial implementation.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD/MSc in Chemical Engineering with 10+ years in process development, scale-up and commercialization of specialty chemicals, and strong leadership and safety expertise.

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc in Chemical Engineering or related field with strong track record in process development and scale-up.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in process development, scale-up, and commercialization of chemical processes.
• Expertise in reaction engineering, separations, crystallization and drying technologies.
• Strong proficiency with process simulation software (Aspen Plus, HYSYS, gPROMS) and statistical analysis.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary R&D teams and managing complex projects.
• Solid understanding of process safety, HAZOP and risk assessment.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to influence across functions.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and optimization of novel chemical processes for new and existing specialty chemicals.
• Design and run laboratory and pilot-scale experiments to validate concepts and gather scale-up data.
• Use CFD and kinetic modeling to predict and optimize process performance.
• Develop robust process control strategies ensuring product quality and safety.
• Mentor engineers and scientists, driving innovation and technical excellence.
• Ensure successful technology transfer to manufacturing and scale-up readiness.

Skills

Reaction engineering

Separations

Crystallization

Drying

Process simulation

HAZOP

cGMP

Leadership

Education

PhD in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

gPROMS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized innovator in specialty chemicals, is looking for a Lead Chemical Process Development Engineer to spearhead their research and development initiatives in Cape Town . This senior role is critical for translating laboratory-scale discoveries into commercially viable manufacturing processes. You will lead a team of talented engineers and scientists, driving innovation from conceptualization through pilot-scale trials and eventual industrial implementation. The ideal candidate possesses a profound understanding of chemical reaction engineering, separation technologies, and scale-up principles, coupled with exceptional leadership and project management capabilities. This position offers a stimulating environment where scientific rigor meets industrial application, making a significant impact on product portfolios and market leadership in the dynamic Western Cape region.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and optimization of novel chemical processes for new and existing specialty chemical products.
• Design and execute laboratory and pilot-scale experiments to validate process concepts and gather critical scale-up data.
• Utilize advanced process modeling and simulation tools (e.g., CFD, kinetic modeling) to predict and optimize process performance.
• Develop robust process control strategies to ensure consistent product quality and operational safety.
• Collaborate closely with R&D chemists, product developers, and manufacturing teams to ensure seamless technology transfer.
• Conduct comprehensive Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs) and implement safety protocols for new processes.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources effectively, ensuring timely delivery of project milestones.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers and chemists, fostering a culture of innovation and technical excellence.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in chemical engineering, catalysis, and separation technologies relevant to specialty chemicals.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field from a top-tier university.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in process development, scale-up, and commercialization of chemical processes, preferably in specialty chemicals.
• Proven expertise in reaction engineering, separations, crystallization, and drying technologies.
• Strong proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus/HYSYS, gPROMS) and statistical analysis.
• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing complex R&D projects.
• Deep understanding of process safety, HAZOP, and risk assessment methodologies.
• Exceptional problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of presenting technical information effectively.
• Experience with cGMP environments is a significant advantage.

Benefits

Our client offers an attractive salary package commensurate with experience, alongside a comprehensive benefits scheme including private healthcare, life insurance, and a superior pension plan. Opportunities for international collaboration and advanced training programs are readily available.

You will join a forward-thinking company committed to sustainability and innovation, located in the vibrant city of Cape Town . This role provides a platform for significant professional growth and the chance to shape the future of specialty chemical manufacturing.