Process Development Chemical Engineer

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical aid

Provident fund

Performance bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Process Development Chemical Engineer for our client in Vereeniging, Gauteng. The role focuses on developing and scaling up new chemical processes from lab concept to pilot and potential production, within a hybrid work model.

The successful candidate will collaborate with R&D, engineers, and operations to drive efficiency and sustainability in chemical manufacturing, while adhering to SHE standards and staying current with industry best practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in process development, scale-up, or related roles within the chemical industry.
• Proficiency with process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, CHEMCAD) is essential.
• Strong understanding of chemical reaction engineering, thermodynamics, and separation principles.
• Experience with pilot plant operations and data analysis is required.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking abilities.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical information clearly.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, balancing remote and on-site responsibilities.
• Must be eligible to work in Vereeniging, Gauteng.
• Experience with HAZOP or other process safety analysis techniques is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize chemical processes for new and existing products.
• Conduct pilot plant trials, gather data, and analyze results for process scale-up.
• Develop process flow diagrams (PFDs) and piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs).
• Perform process simulations and economic evaluations for new process designs.
• Troubleshoot process issues encountered during development and scale-up phases.
• Ensure all process development activities adhere to safety, health, and environmental (SHE) standards.
• Collaborate effectively with R&D chemists, engineers, and plant operations teams.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports and documentation for process handover.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and best practices in chemical process development.
• Assist in the commissioning and start-up of new process equipment.

Skills

Aspen Plus

CHEMCAD

Process simulation

Reaction engineering

Thermodynamics

Pilot plant

Data analysis

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

N/A

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in manufacturing specialty chemicals, is seeking a dynamic Process Development Chemical Engineer to join their innovation hub in Vereeniging, Gauteng . This role is central to developing and scaling up new chemical processes from laboratory conception to pilot and potentially commercial production. Working within a hybrid model, you'll contribute to cutting-edge projects, driving efficiency and sustainability in chemical manufacturing. You will collaborate closely with research teams and operations personnel, applying your engineering expertise to solve complex challenges in a stimulating and supportive environment located in the industrial heartland of Vereeniging .

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize chemical processes for new and existing products.
• Conduct pilot plant trials, gather data, and analyze results for process scale-up.
• Develop process flow diagrams (PFDs) and piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs).
• Perform process simulations and economic evaluations for new process designs.
• Troubleshoot process issues encountered during development and scale-up phases.
• Ensure all process development activities adhere to safety, health, and environmental (SHE) standards.
• Collaborate effectively with R&D chemists, engineers, and plant operations teams.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports and documentation for process handover.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and best practices in chemical process development.
• Assist in the commissioning and start-up of new process equipment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in process development, scale-up, or related roles within the chemical industry.
• Proficiency with process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, CHEMCAD) is essential.
• Strong understanding of chemical reaction engineering, thermodynamics, and separation principles.
• Experience with pilot plant operations and data analysis is required.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking abilities.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical information clearly.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, balancing remote and on-site responsibilities.
• Must be eligible to work in Vereeniging, Gauteng .
• Experience with HAZOP or other process safety analysis techniques is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including medical aid, a provident fund, and performance-related bonuses.
• This hybrid role provides flexibility, allowing for a good work-life balance.
• You will have access to excellent training and development opportunities, fostering career growth within a respected organization.
• The position is based in Vereeniging , a region with significant industrial activity and community amenities.
• Join a team dedicated to innovation and excellence in chemical manufacturing.