Lead Pharmaceutical Process Engineer

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses

Medical & dental

Retirement fund

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Benoni, Gauteng, is seeking a Lead Pharmaceutical Process Engineer to drive design, scale-up, and validation of GMP manufacturing processes for a range of products.

You will lead cross-functional teams, optimize yield and efficiency, ensure cGMP/ICH compliance, and mentor engineers in a fast-paced, highly regulated environment.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Chemical/Pharmaceutical Engineering or closely related field.
• 8–10+ years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical process engineering.
• Expertise in solid dosage forms, sterile manufacturing, or biopharmaceutical processes.
• In-depth knowledge of process equipment, control systems, and automation in a pharmaceutical context.
• Strong GMP/ICH knowledge and regulatory submission experience.
• Proven project management and leadership abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and implementation of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.
• Oversee scale-up from lab to pilot plant and production.
• Develop and execute process validation protocols and reports.
• Optimize processes to improve yield, efficiency and reduce costs.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex process-related issues in a manufacturing setting.
• Ensure all processes comply with cGMP, FDA, and other regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including manufacturing, QA, and R&D.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineers and technicians.
• Conduct process hazard analyses and implement safety measures.
• Stay abreast of new technologies and best practices.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Master's or PhD in Chemical/Pharmaceutical Engineering

Tools

Process control systems

Automation systems

Job description

About the Role Our client, a pioneering force in the pharmaceutical industry, is actively seeking a highly skilled and results-oriented Lead Pharmaceutical Process Engineer to join their esteemed operations in Benoni, Gauteng . This pivotal position requires an individual with extensive experience in process design, optimization, scale-up, and validation within a GMP-compliant pharmaceutical manufacturing environment. The Lead Engineer will be responsible for overseeing and driving the development of robust and efficient manufacturing processes for a range of pharmaceutical products. This role demands a strong understanding of chemical engineering principles, process control strategies, and regulatory requirements specific to the pharmaceutical sector. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional leadership qualities, the ability to manage complex projects, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Join our client's dedicated team and contribute to the reliable production of high-quality medicines that improve global health outcomes from our strategic Benoni, Gauteng facility.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of innovative pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.
• Oversee process scale-up activities from laboratory to pilot plant and commercial production.
• Develop and execute process validation protocols and reports.
• Optimize existing manufacturing processes to improve yield, efficiency, and reduce costs.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex process-related issues in a manufacturing setting.
• Ensure all processes comply with cGMP, FDA, and other relevant regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing operations, quality assurance, and R&D.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to a team of process engineers and technicians.
• Conduct process hazard analyses and implement appropriate safety measures.
• Stay abreast of new technologies and industry best practices in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Requirements

• Master's or PhD degree in Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical process engineering.
• Demonstrated expertise in solid dosage forms, sterile manufacturing, or biopharmaceutical processes.
• In-depth knowledge of process equipment, control systems, and automation in a pharmaceutical context.
• Strong understanding of GMP, ICH guidelines, and regulatory submission requirements.
• Proven project management skills with experience leading complex technical projects.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, highly regulated environment in Benoni, Gauteng .
• Experience with continuous manufacturing technologies is a significant advantage.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive remuneration package, including performance-based bonuses, comprehensive medical and dental coverage, a generous retirement fund, and extensive opportunities for professional development.
• Employees benefit from a supportive and innovative work culture, access to advanced manufacturing technologies, and the chance to make a tangible impact on healthcare worldwide from our Benoni, Gauteng location.
• We believe in investing in our people and provide pathways for career progression within a globally recognized pharmaceutical organization.