Lead Process Development Engineer

Placements24; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental and vision coverage

Retirement savings plan

Relocation assistance

Generous paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Process Development Engineer in Paarl, Western Cape. You will lead the design, development, and optimization of manufacturing processes, supervise pilot operations, and drive tech transfer across R&D, engineering, and production teams.

You will implement process control strategies, analyze data, mentor staff, and manage project timelines and budgets to deliver cost-efficient, high-quality production.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in process development within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven track record of scaling up complex manufacturing processes.
• Experience with process simulation software and SPC/data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, implementation, and optimization of manufacturing processes.
• Oversee pilot plant operations and scale-up activities for new product introductions.
• Develop and validate process control strategies to ensure product quality and consistency.
• Conduct PHAs and implement safety improvements.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians and provide technical leadership.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources for development initiatives.

Skills

Process development

Leadership

Data analysis

SPC

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering or related field

Tools

Aspen Plus

ChemCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading manufacturing and technology innovator in Paarl, Western Cape, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lead Process Development Engineer. This pivotal role will focus on optimizing and developing novel manufacturing processes for new and existing products. The successful candidate will lead a team of engineers and technicians, driving efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness throughout the production lifecycle. This is an excellent opportunity to leverage your expertise in process engineering and innovation within a dynamic industrial setting in Paarl. You will play a key role in scaling up production capabilities and implementing cutting-edge manufacturing technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, implementation, and optimization of manufacturing processes.
• Oversee pilot plant operations and scale-up activities for new product introductions.
• Develop and validate process control strategies to ensure product quality and consistency.
• Conduct process hazard analyses (PHAs) and implement safety improvements.
• Analyze process data to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with R&D, engineering, and production teams to ensure seamless technology transfer.
• Mentor and guide junior process engineers and technicians, providing technical leadership.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, including SOPs and P&IDs.
• Stay abreast of new manufacturing technologies and methodologies relevant to the industry.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources effectively for process development initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in process development and engineering within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven track record of successfully scaling up and optimizing complex manufacturing processes.
• Strong understanding of process design principles, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and mass transfer.
• Experience with process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, ChemCAD) is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in statistical process control (SPC) and data analysis techniques.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across departments.
• Experience in project management and delivering results within defined timelines and budgets.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• A retirement savings plan and generous paid time off are provided.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development, including advanced training and relevant certifications, are available.
• Relocation assistance may be provided for candidates relocating to Paarl, Western Cape.
• This is a significant opportunity to lead process innovation in Paarl.