Process Development Chemical Engineer

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage and benefits

Remote-first work environment

Professional development opportunities

Competitive compensation

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Process Development Chemical Engineer to design, optimize, and scale chemical processes from lab concept to pilot plant and full-scale production. The role emphasizes safety, efficiency, and product quality within a remote-first team environment.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in process development and experience with simulation tools such as Aspen Plus or HYSYS, collaborating with global teams to transfer technology to production.

Qualifications

• Degree in Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's or Master's).
• ≥5 years in process development, scale-up and optimization in chemicals.
• Proficiency with process simulation and data analysis.
• Strong thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, kinetics and separation knowledge.
• Experience with SPC and DOE.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute lab and pilot-scale experiments to evaluate new chemical processes and optimize existing ones.
• Develop PFDs, P&IDs, and mass/energy balances for new and existing operations.
• Conduct HAZOP studies and implement safety protocols across the lifecycle.
• Use process simulation software to model, analyze, and predict process performance.
• Collaborate with researchers, engineers, and production teams for technology transfer and scale-up.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues during development, scale-up and manufacturing phases.

Skills

Process development

Scale-up

Optimization

Data analysis

DOE

SPC

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly motivated and innovative Process Development Chemical Engineer to join their dynamic, remote-first team. In this pivotal role, you will be instrumental in designing, optimizing, and scaling chemical processes from laboratory conception to pilot plant and eventual full-scale production. You will leverage your deep understanding of chemical engineering principles to drive efficiency, ensure safety, and enhance product quality for a range of exciting projects. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge chemical development without the constraints of a traditional office environment, working collaboratively with a global team dedicated to sustainable and impactful solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute laboratory and pilot-scale experiments to evaluate new chemical processes and optimize existing ones.
• Develop detailed process flow diagrams (PFDs), piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&DIDs), and mass/energy balances for new and existing operations.
• Conduct thorough hazard and operability (HAZOP) studies and implement robust safety protocols throughout the process lifecycle.
• Utilize process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS) to model, analyze, and predict process performance.
• Collaborate with research scientists, other engineers, and production teams to ensure seamless technology transfer and scale-up.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues encountered during process development, scale-up, and manufacturing phases.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process development , scale-up, and optimization within the chemical industry.
• Proficiency in chemical process simulation software and data analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, reaction kinetics, and separation processes.
• Experience with statistical process control (SPC) and design of experiments (DOE).
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and project management skills, with the ability to thrive in a remote work setting.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.
• Opportunities for professional development, including continued education and conference attendance.
• Access to state-of-the-art simulation tools and a collaborative, innovative remote work environment.