Process Development Chemical Engineer

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote

Home office stipend

Comprehensive health benefits

Stock options

Conference attendance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Process Development Chemical Engineer for a fully remote, international role. You will develop and scale up novel chemical processes from lab to pilot plant and toward commercial production, translating discoveries into manufacturing solutions.

The position requires a strong background in kinetics, thermodynamics, and separation techniques, plus DoE and PAT experience. You will collaborate with R&D and manufacturing teams to enable technology transfer and growth.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering.
• 3–5 years in process development and scale-up, preferably pharma or fine chemicals.
• Experience with laboratory equipment, pilot plants, and PAT.
• Strong knowledge of reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and separation techniques.
• DoE and data analysis experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize chemical reaction pathways and process conditions.
• Design and execute experiments for process scale-up and validation.
• Characterize process performance, identify critical parameters, and establish operating envelopes.
• Conduct hazard assessments and implement safety measures for new processes.
• Develop process flow diagrams (PFDs) and piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs).
• Collaborate with external partners and internal teams on process development projects.
• Analyze experimental data and generate comprehensive technical reports.
• Support technology transfer to manufacturing sites.

Skills

Communication skills

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering

Tools

DoE (Design of Experiments)

PAT

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking chemical research and development firm, is looking for a dedicated Process Development Chemical Engineer to join their innovative team, contributing remotely. This role focuses on developing and scaling up novel chemical processes from laboratory to pilot plant and eventually to commercial production. You will be instrumental in translating scientific discoveries into viable manufacturing solutions, working closely with R&D scientists and engineers. The position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and a strong understanding of reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and separation processes. This is a fantastic opportunity to work from anywhere and make a significant impact on developing cutting-edge chemical technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize chemical reaction pathways and process conditions.
• Design and execute experiments for process scale-up and validation.
• Characterize process performance, identify critical parameters, and establish operating envelopes.
• Conduct hazard assessments and implement safety measures for new processes.
• Develop process flow diagrams (PFDs) and piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs).
• Collaborate with external partners and internal teams on process development projects.
• Analyze experimental data and generate comprehensive technical reports.
• Support technology transfer to manufacturing sites.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering.
• 3-5 years of hands-on experience in process development and scale-up, preferably in pharmaceuticals or fine chemicals.
• Proficiency in laboratory equipment, pilot plant operations, and process analytical technology (PAT).
• Strong knowledge of chemical kinetics, thermodynamics, and separation techniques.
• Experience with statistical experimental design (DoE) and data analysis tools.
• Familiarity with process safety principles and risk assessment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Benefits

• This fully remote position offers a competitive salary, flexible working hours, home office stipend, comprehensive health benefits, stock options, and opportunities for professional growth and attending leading industry conferences.