Process Development Chemical Engineer

Placements24; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary + incentives

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Generous PTO

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Process Development Chemical Engineer to join our client’s Centurion operations. The role focuses on the innovation and scale-up of new chemical processes from laboratory research to pilot and commercial production.

You will design experiments, analyze data, and develop scale-up strategies, collaborating with R&D, engineering, and operations to ensure safe, robust process designs and effective technology transfer.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Chemical Engineering required.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in chemical process development, scale-up and implementation.
• Strong background in reaction engineering, process design, and troubleshooting.
• Proficiency with process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus) and statistical analysis tools.
• Experience with pilot plant operations and data acquisition systems.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work in a team.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute laboratory and pilot-scale experiments to develop and optimize chemical processes.
• Analyze experimental data to understand parameters, identify control points and operating ranges.
• Develop scale-up strategies and PFDs/P&IDs for new processes, considering safety and economics.
• Collaborate with R&D, engineering and operations for technology transfer.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges during development and scale-up.
• Prepare comprehensive reports and present findings to stakeholders and management.

Skills

Reaction engineering

Process design

Troubleshooting

Data analysis

Education

Master's degree or PhD in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

Statistical analysis tools

Data acquisition systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for a dedicated Process Development Chemical Engineer to join their expanding operations in Centurion . This role focuses on the innovation and scale-up of new chemical processes, bringing them from laboratory research to pilot and commercial production. You will work closely with research scientists and manufacturing teams to ensure efficient, safe, and robust process designs. The position requires hands‑on involvement in experimental design, data analysis, and process validation, playing a critical role in the company's product pipeline and technological advancement within the chemical manufacturing sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute laboratory and pilot-scale experiments to develop and optimize chemical processes.
• Analyze experimental data to understand process parameters, identify critical control points, and define operating ranges.
• Develop scale‑up strategies and PFDs/P&IDs for new processes, considering safety, economics, and environmental impact.
• Collaborate with R&D, engineering, and operations teams to ensure smooth technology transfer.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges encountered during process development and scale‑up.
• Prepare comprehensive reports and present findings to stakeholders and management.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in chemical process development, scale‑up, and implementation.
• Strong background in reaction engineering, process design, and troubleshooting.
• Proficiency with process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus) and statistical analysis tools.
• Experience with pilot plant operations and data acquisition systems.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Benefits

• Attractive annual salary and performance‑based incentives.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.
• Opportunities for professional growth and continued education.
• A dynamic and innovative work environment focused on cutting‑edge chemical technology.