Process Design Engineer - Fine Chemicals

Placements24; Centurion; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Professional development

Remote-friendly with site visits

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Process Design Engineer in Centurion, Gauteng, to design and optimize chemical processes for fine chemicals and APIs. You will translate lab results into scalable, economical manufacturing routes and work with multidisciplinary teams in a collaborative environment.

The role requires a chemical engineering degree with at least 5 years in process design, proficiency in Aspen Plus or ChemCAD, and knowledge of GMP.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum 5 years in process design and development.
• Proficiency with Aspen Plus or ChemCAD.
• Knowledge of GMP and process safety principles.
• Experience with PFDs and P&IDs.

Responsibilities

• Develop conceptual designs for new chemical processes, focusing on fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals.
• Perform process simulations and feasibility studies to evaluate different design options.
• Generate PFDs (Process Flow Diagrams) and P&IDs (Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams).
• Conduct equipment sizing and specification for reactors, distillation columns, and other process units.
• Perform hazard and operability (HAZOP) studies and risk assessments.
• Collaborate with project managers, chemists, and external engineering partners.
• Ensure designs comply with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards (e.g., GMP).
• Optimize existing processes for improved yield, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
• Assist in the technical evaluation of vendors and equipment suppliers.
• Prepare technical documentation and reports for internal stakeholders and clients.

Skills

Chemical engineering principles

Process design

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Master's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

ChemCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly growing innovator in the fine chemicals sector, is seeking a talented Process Design Engineer to join their expanding operations in Centurion, Gauteng. This role is integral to conceptualizing and developing novel chemical processes for high-value intermediates and active pharmaceutical ingredients. You will be instrumental in translating laboratory findings into robust, scalable, and economically viable manufacturing processes. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in chemical engineering principles, excellent design skills, and a passion for innovation. This position offers a unique opportunity to work on challenging projects in a collaborative and forward-thinking environment. The Centurion location provides access to a vibrant industrial hub and excellent amenities.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop conceptual designs for new chemical processes, focusing on fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals


• Perform process simulations and feasibility studies to evaluate different design options


• Generate PFDs (Process Flow Diagrams) and P&IDs (Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams)


• Conduct equipment sizing and specification for reactors, distillation columns, and other process units


• Perform hazard and operability (HAZOP) studies and risk assessments


• Collaborate with project managers, chemists, and external engineering partners


• Ensure designs comply with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards (e.g., GMP)


• Optimize existing processes for improved yield, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness


• Assist in the technical evaluation of vendors and equipment suppliers


• Prepare technical documentation and reports for internal stakeholders and clients

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering


• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process design and development, preferably within the fine chemicals, pharmaceutical, or specialty chemicals industry


• Proficiency in process simulation software (Aspen Plus, ChemCAD or similar)


• Strong understanding of chemical reaction engineering, thermodynamics, and separation processes


• Experience in developing PFDs and P&IDs


• Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and process safety principles


• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills


• Strong written and verbal communication abilities


• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team


• Experience with pilot plant operations is a plus

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package and performance-based bonuses.


• The benefits include comprehensive health insurance, a retirement savings plan, and generous paid time off.


• We encourage professional development through training programs and opportunities to attend industry conferences.


• This is a remote-friendly role, allowing for flexibility while working from your home base near Centurion, Gauteng, with occasional site visits required.