Pharmaceutical Process Engineer

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Provident fund

Annual bonus

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Pharmaceutical Process Engineer to strengthen manufacturing operations in East London, Eastern Cape. The role blends on-site engineering with remote data analysis and process modeling to optimize granulation, drying, and tablet processes while ensuring GMP compliance.

The ideal candidate has a chemical/ mechanical/ pharmaceutical engineering background with 4–6 years in pharma process engineering, strong problem solving, and solid teamwork across production, QA, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering field.
• 4–6 years of process engineering experience in the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry.
• Strong GMP knowledge and familiarity with scale-up and validation.
• Hybrid work environment and strong problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize pharma manufacturing processes.
• Troubleshoot process-related production issues.
• Develop and implement process validation strategies.
• Conduct hazard analyses to ensure safety compliance.
• Collaborate with R&D and QA on tech transfer.
• Analyze process data to identify improvements.
• Create SOPs and batch records.
• Stay updated on new manufacturing technologies.
• Support internal and external audits.
• Manage engineering projects from conception to completion.

Skills

Process engineering

GMP knowledge

Process optimization

Data analysis

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Pharmaceutical Engineering

Tools

Process simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading manufacturer of high-quality pharmaceutical products, is seeking a dedicated Pharmaceutical Process Engineer to enhance their manufacturing operations in East London, Eastern Cape . This role is crucial for optimizing existing processes, developing new manufacturing methods, and ensuring the efficient and compliant production of pharmaceutical goods. The successful candidate will work closely with production, quality assurance, and R&D teams to troubleshoot issues, implement improvements, and drive innovation in manufacturing technology. This hybrid role combines hands-on engineering work on-site with remote data analysis and process modeling. We are looking for a problem‑solver with a strong engineering background and a deep understanding of pharmaceutical manufacturing principles. The ideal candidate will be committed to enhancing operational efficiency and product quality.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize pharmaceutical manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, yield, and quality.
• Troubleshoot and resolve process‑related issues in production, ensuring minimal disruption.
• Develop and implement process validation strategies and protocols.
• Conduct process hazard analyses and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
• Collaborate with R&D and Quality Assurance departments on process scale‑up and technology transfer.
• Analyze process data using statistical methods to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and batch records for manufacturing processes.
• Stay abreast of new technologies and best practices in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Participate in internal and external audits related to manufacturing processes.
• Manage assigned engineering projects from conception to completion, ensuring adherence to timelines and budgets.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4-6 years of experience in process engineering within the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry.
• Strong understanding of GMP principles and pharmaceutical manufacturing operations (e.g., granulation, drying, tablet compression, sterile filling).
• Experience with process validation, scale‑up, and technology transfer.
• Proficiency in process simulation and modeling software is a plus.
• Excellent problem‑solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong project management abilities.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical information clearly.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, balancing on‑site and remote responsibilities.
• Experience with process automation and control systems is advantageous.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, comprehensive medical aid, a provident fund, and an annual performance‑based bonus. This hybrid position offers a balance between collaborative on‑site work and the flexibility of remote tasks. Employees benefit from ongoing professional development, training programs, and opportunities for career advancement within a reputable pharmaceutical company. We provide a stimulating work environment with state‑of‑the‑art facilities and a strong focus on employee well‑being. Additional perks include generous annual leave and access to wellness initiatives. Join a team committed to excellence in pharmaceutical manufacturing.