Principal Pharmaceutical Process Engineer

Placements24; Welkom; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Medical insurance

Professional development opportunities

Retirement plan

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Pharmaceutical Process Engineer for its Welkom, Free State site. The role focuses on designing, optimizing, and validating complex pharmaceutical manufacturing processes across sterile and solid dosage forms.

You will lead key projects to boost efficiency, yield, and product quality while ensuring strict regulatory compliance. The successful candidate will have 8+ years in pharmaceutical process engineering, strong expertise in process modeling, and proven

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical process engineering with emphasis on sterile manufacturing or solid dosage forms.
• Experience in process design, scale-up, and validation of pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment and processes.
• GMP, FDA, EMA and other regulatory requirements knowledge.
• Ability to lead complex engineering projects from conception to completion.
• Expertise in process modeling, simulation, and data analysis tools.
• Knowledge of unit operations such as filtration, drying, blending, granulation, sterile filling.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to influence stakeholders.
• Demonstrated leadership and commitment to continuous improvement in Welkom, South Africa.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and implementation of new pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.
• Optimize processes to boost efficiency, reduce costs, and improve product quality and yield.
• Develop process validation strategies and oversee validation protocol execution.
• Conduct process hazard analyses and implement safety measures.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing issues, identify root causes, implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with R&D, QA, and Manufacturing for seamless technology transfer.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and best practices in pharma manufacturing.
• Maintain detailed process documentation (P&IDs, SOPs, batch records).
• Mentor junior engineers and technical staff.
• Ensure activities comply with GMP, EHS, and relevant regulations.

Skills

Process design

Scale-up

Validation

GMP compliance

Regulatory knowledge (FDA/EMA)

Project leadership

Data analysis

Troubleshooting

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Engineering, or related field

Tools

Process modeling tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global pharmaceutical powerhouse, is seeking a highly experienced and innovative Principal Pharmaceutical Process Engineer to join their state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Welkom, Free State. This senior role will be responsible for designing, optimizing, and troubleshooting complex manufacturing processes for a wide range of pharmaceutical products. You will lead critical projects focused on improving efficiency, yield, and quality, while ensuring full compliance with stringent regulatory standards. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of chemical engineering principles applied to pharmaceutical manufacturing and a proven track record of successful process implementation and validation. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of pharmaceutical production in the Free State province. Our client is committed to excellence in manufacturing and the continuous improvement of their operational capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of new pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.
• Optimize existing processes to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve product quality and yield.
• Develop process validation strategies and oversee the execution of validation protocols.
• Conduct process hazard analyses and implement appropriate safety measures.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing issues, identify root causes, and implement effective corrective actions.
• Collaborate with R&D, Quality Assurance, and Manufacturing teams to ensure seamless technology transfer.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and manufacturing best practices in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Develop and maintain detailed process documentation, including P&IDs, SOPs, and batch records.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers and technical staff.
• Ensure all activities comply with GMP, EHS, and other relevant regulations.

Requirements

• Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical process engineering, with a strong emphasis on sterile manufacturing or solid dosage forms.
• Extensive experience in process design, scale-up, and validation of pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment and processes.
• Deep understanding of GMP, FDA, EMA, and other relevant regulatory requirements.
• Proven ability to lead complex engineering projects from conception to completion.
• Expertise in process modeling, simulation, and data analysis tools.
• Strong knowledge of unit operations relevant to pharmaceutical manufacturing (e.g., filtration, drying, blending, granulation, sterile filling).
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and project management skills.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities and a commitment to continuous improvement in Welkom, South Africa.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, including significant performance-based bonuses and long-term incentive plans.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with a robust retirement fund, are provided.
• Extensive opportunities for professional development, including advanced training, certification programs, and attendance at international conferences, are available.
• The Welkom facility is equipped with advanced technology, fostering an environment of innovation and growth.
• Our client values employee well-being and promotes a healthy work-life balance.
• Relocation assistance may be provided.
• This role offers the chance to make a substantial impact on pharmaceutical manufacturing in the Free State region.