Process Development Chemical Engineer

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan

Professional development andconference

State-of-the-art laboratory and pilot-

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a dedicated Process Development Chemical Engineer to join their research and development team in Durban. The role focuses on designing novel chemical processes from lab scale to pilot plant, ensuring feasibility before full-scale production.

You will collaborate with manufacturing and engineering to transfer technology, optimize yields and purity, and apply advanced reaction engineering and separation concepts in a state-of-the-art facility.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• 5-8 years of experience in process development, scale-up, and pilot plant operations.
• Strong background in chemical reaction engineering, thermodynamics and separation processes.
• Experience with analytical techniques and process instrumentation.
• Proficiency in data analysis and statistical software.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-focused, Durban-based research environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize chemical processes through laboratory experimentation and pilot plant trials.
• Scale up processes from benchtop to pilot and commercial scale, addressing engineering challenges.
• Design and conduct experiments to evaluate catalyst performance, reaction kinetics, and separation efficiency.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and provide clear, concise technical reports.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and engineering teams to ensure successful technology transfer.
• Identify and implement new process technologies to improve yield, purity, and sustainability.

Skills

Reaction engineering

Thermodynamics

Separation processes

Analytical techniques

Process instrumentation

Data analysis

Statistical software

Education

Master's degree in Chemical Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dedicated Process Development Chemical Engineer to join their innovative research and development division in Durban . This role focuses on developing novel chemical processes from laboratory scale to pilot plant, ensuring feasibility and efficiency before full-scale implementation. You will play a key role in driving technological advancements and problem-solving complex chemical challenges. The position requires a proactive individual with a passion for innovation and a strong understanding of chemical reaction engineering and separation technologies, contributing to the company's growth in KwaZulu-Natal . This is a prime opportunity to work at the forefront of chemical innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize chemical processes through laboratory experimentation and pilot plant trials.
• Scale up processes from benchtop to pilot and commercial scale, addressing engineering challenges.
• Design and conduct experiments to evaluate catalyst performance, reaction kinetics, and separation efficiency.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and provide clear, concise technical reports.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and engineering teams to ensure successful technology transfer.
• Identify and implement new process technologies to improve yield, purity, and sustainability.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related discipline.
• 5-8 years of experience in process development, scale-up, and pilot plant operations.
• Strong background in chemical reaction engineering, thermodynamics, and separation processes.
• Experience with analytical techniques and process instrumentation.
• Proficiency in data analysis and statistical software.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented, research-focused environment in Durban .

Benefits

• Competitive salary and annual bonus structure.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance and pension plan.
• Generous support for professional development and conference attendance.
• Access to state-of-the‑art laboratory and pilot plant facilities in Durban .
• A stimulating work environment focused on cutting-edge chemical research.