Lead Chemical Process Engineer - Specialty Chemicals

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Private health insurance

Retirement savings plan

Professional development

Cape Town facilities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Chemical Process Engineer in Cape Town to drive scale-up from lab to pilot to full production. The role demands strategic thinking, safety and quality leadership, and a track record of delivering robust, commercially viable processes.

You will lead a multidisciplinary team, collaborate with R&D, Production and QA, and shape continuous improvement programs across the manufacturing portfolio.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in chemical process engineering, focus on specialty or fine chemicals.
• Strong track record in scale-up from pilot to full-scale.
• Experience leading engineering teams and projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and implementation of new chemical processes and scale-up strategies.
• Optimize manufacturing processes for yield, throughput and quality.
• Conduct feasibility studies and techno-economic assessments.
• Develop and maintain PFDs and P&IDs.
• Ensure safety, GMP compliance and environmental regulations.
• Provide technical leadership to process and chemical engineers.
• Collaborate with R&D, Production and QA for seamless integration.
• Troubleshoot operations and drive long-term solutions.
• Manage CAPEX projects for process improvements and equipment upgrades.
• Stay updated on emerging technologies and best practices.

Skills

Leadership

Process scale-up

PFD/P&ID

GMP/Safety

Data-driven

Stakeholder comms

Project mgmt

HAZOP/LOPA

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering

Tools

ChemCAD

SuperPro Designer

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished leader in the specialty chemicals manufacturing sector, is seeking an accomplished Lead Chemical Process Engineer to spearhead process development and optimization initiatives from their Cape Town, Western Cape facility. This senior position demands a visionary leader with extensive experience in scaling up chemical processes from lab to commercial production. You will be instrumental in driving innovation, ensuring the highest standards of safety and quality, and contributing to the sustainable growth of the business. This is a unique opportunity to influence the direction of process engineering within a globally recognized organization, working on cutting-edge products and advanced manufacturing techniques. The role requires a strategic thinker adept at managing complex projects and leading talented engineering teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of new chemical processes and scale-up strategies for specialty chemical products.
• Optimize existing manufacturing processes to improve yield, throughput, and product quality.
• Conduct feasibility studies and techno-economic assessments for new process concepts.
• Develop and maintain Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs) and Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs).
• Ensure strict adherence to safety protocols, environmental regulations, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to a team of process and chemical engineers.
• Collaborate closely with R&D, Production, and Quality Assurance departments to ensure seamless integration of new processes.
• Troubleshoot complex operational issues and implement effective long-term solutions.
• Manage capital expenditure projects related to process improvements and equipment upgrades.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry best practices in specialty chemical manufacturing.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering is strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of hands-on experience in chemical process engineering, with a significant focus on specialty chemicals or fine chemicals.
• Demonstrated expertise in process scale-up, from pilot plant to full-scale manufacturing.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., ChemCAD, SuperPro Designer) and statistical analysis tools.
• In-depth knowledge of reaction engineering, separation processes, and material handling in a chemical context.
• Strong leadership skills with proven experience managing engineering teams and projects.
• Excellent understanding of process safety management (PSM) and hazard analysis techniques (e.g., HAZOP, LOPA).
• Exceptional problem-solving capabilities and a data-driven approach to decision-making.
• Outstanding communication and presentation skills, capable of engaging with diverse stakeholders.
• Registered Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng.) with ECSA is a significant advantage.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and fostering a culture of innovation.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, performance bonuses, comprehensive private health insurance, and a substantial retirement savings plan.
• Professional development is highly valued, with ample opportunities for advanced training, attending international conferences, and pursuing further academic qualifications.
• The role is based in the scenic city of Cape Town and includes access to state-of-the-art facilities, a collaborative and innovative work environment, and programs that support work-life balance and employee wellness.