Lead Process Development Engineer

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Comprehensive healthcare benefits

Generous annual leave

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban is seeking a Lead Process Development Engineer to drive advanced chemical manufacturing capabilities in a hybrid setup, balancing on-site collaboration with remote flexibility. You will lead a team, develop new processes, and optimize existing ones to deliver safe, sustainable scale-up from lab to production.

You will partner with R&D, manufacturing, and engineering to transfer technology, validate processes, and implement robust design and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years in chemical process development, scale-up and optimization.
• Experience leading engineering projects and technical teams.
• Expertise in process modeling, DoE, and statistics.
• Strong knowledge of reaction engineering, thermodynamics, and separation tech.
• Excellent leadership and hybrid-work adaptability.

Responsibilities

• Lead conceptualization, design, and piloting of novel chemical processes.
• Oversee scale-up from lab to commercial production.
• Mentor a team of process development engineers.
• Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, and engineering for tech transfer.
• Develop and implement validation protocols for new/modified processes.
• Conduct risk assessments and HAZOP studies.

Skills

Process development

Scale-up

DOE

Process modeling

Thermodynamics

Leadership

Education

Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process simulation tools

Statistical analysis software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly motivated Lead Process Development Engineer to drive advancements in their chemical manufacturing capabilities in Durban. This hybrid role involves spearheading the development of new processes and the enhancement of existing ones, balancing remote work flexibility with essential on-site collaboration. You will lead a team of engineers, focusing on innovation, efficiency, and sustainability. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape process technology and mentor a talented engineering group within a leading chemical industry player, contributing to critical research and development initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and piloting of novel chemical processes.


• Oversee process scale-up activities from laboratory bench to commercial production.


• Manage and mentor a team of process development engineers, fostering a culture of innovation and technical excellence.


• Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, and engineering teams to ensure seamless technology transfer.


• Develop and implement robust validation protocols for new and modified processes.


• Conduct thorough risk assessments and HAZOP studies for all new process designs.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or a related scientific discipline.


• 10+ years of experience in process development, scale-up, and optimization within the chemical industry.


• Proven experience in leading engineering projects and technical teams.


• Expertise in process modeling and simulation, statistical analysis, and experimental design (DoE).


• Strong knowledge of chemical reaction engineering, thermodynamics, and separation technologies.


• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, adaptable to hybrid work environments.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.


• Hybrid work model offering a blend of remote flexibility and office-based teamwork.


• Comprehensive healthcare benefits package.


• Generous annual leave and company holidays.


• Investment in professional development and continued education.


• A dynamic work environment focused on innovation and growth.