Pharmaceutical Process Engineer

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement benefits

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 invites a Pharmaceutical Process Engineer to join a Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal team. The role focuses on optimizing pharmaceutical manufacturing processes, ensuring GMP compliance, and driving efficiency across production lines.

Ideal candidates bring a strong engineering background (chemical/mechanical) with pharma/biotech experience. The position offers hybrid work, enabling on-site collaboration and remote work as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering.
• Minimum 4 years in process engineering, pharma/biotech preferred.
• GMP knowledge and familiarity with pharma manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and optimize manufacturing processes for efficiency and quality.
• Troubleshoot equipment and process issues to minimize downtime.
• Develop validation protocols and ensure GMP compliance.
• Perform PHAs and implement safety improvements.
• Monitor KPIs and drive process improvements.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, QA, and R&D on scale-up.
• Manage capital projects for equipment upgrades.
• Prepare and maintain SOPs for processes.
• Investigate deviations and implement CAPAs.
• Stay updated on industry best practices and regulatory requirements.

Skills

GMP compliance

Process optimization

Data analysis

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD software

Process design tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic pharmaceutical manufacturing company, is seeking a skilled Pharmaceutical Process Engineer to join their operations in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal . This role is critical in optimizing and maintaining the efficiency, safety, and compliance of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes. You will be involved in troubleshooting, process improvement initiatives, and ensuring that production lines operate at peak performance. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in chemical or mechanical engineering, with specific experience in the pharmaceutical industry. This position offers a unique opportunity to work in a coastal setting while contributing to the production of vital medicines. We are looking for an individual who is passionate about process excellence and driven to find innovative solutions. The hybrid work arrangement provides flexibility, allowing for both on-site collaboration and remote work as needed. This role is integral to ensuring consistent product quality and timely delivery to market. You will be working with advanced manufacturing technologies and collaborating with a dedicated team of professionals.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and optimize pharmaceutical manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, yield, and product quality.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to manufacturing equipment and processes.
• Develop and execute process validation protocols and ensure compliance with GMP guidelines.
• Conduct process hazard analyses (PHAs) and implement safety improvements.
• Monitor process performance using key performance indicators (KPIs) and identify areas for improvement.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, quality assurance, and R&D teams to support new product introductions and process scale-up.
• Manage capital projects related to process equipment upgrades and installations.
• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for manufacturing processes.
• Investigate deviations and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs).
• Stay current with industry best practices, new technologies, and regulatory requirements in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 4 years of experience in process engineering, preferably within the pharmaceutical or biotech industry.
• Strong understanding of GMP principles and pharmaceutical manufacturing processes (e.g., granulation, tablet compression, sterile filling).
• Experience with process simulation, data analysis, and statistical process control (SPC).
• Proficiency in CAD software and process design tools.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and project management skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies is a plus.
• Ability to adapt to a hybrid work environment, balancing on-site and remote responsibilities.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements for pharmaceutical manufacturing is essential.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical aid and retirement benefits, and opportunities for professional growth and development. The hybrid work model allows for a healthy work-life balance.

This role is situated in the industrial hub of Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal , providing a strategic location for manufacturing operations. Employees benefit from working with a team that prioritizes innovation and continuous improvement in a supportive environment. Join a company that values technical expertise and contributes significantly to the healthcare sector.