Process Development Chemical Engineer - Fine Chemicals

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement fund

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a senior Process Development Chemical Engineer in Pretoria for a hybrid role blending lab work with remote analysis. You will lead scaling of novel chemical processes from benchtop to pilot, ensuring safety and efficiency, and translating R&D breakthroughs into manufacturing solutions.

The ideal candidate has a Ph.D. or Master’s in Chemical Engineering, 6+ years in process development, and strong skills in reaction engineering and process simulation.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering required.
• At least 6 years in process development, scale-up or chemical manufacturing.
• Proven track record in developing and optimizing processes in fine/specialty chemicals.
• Strong knowledge of reaction engineering, thermodynamics, kinetics, and separation processes.
• Experience with lab and pilot plant equipment and operations.
• Proficiency with process simulation software (Aspen Plus, ChemCAD).
• Excellent data analysis and statistics skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication; able to present technical information clearly.
• Hybrid work: on-site experimentation and remote analysis.
• GLP/GMP experience a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and run lab and pilot-scale experiments to develop processes.
• Develop process models and simulations to predict performance.
• Scale-up from lab to pilot and possibly commercial scale.
• Analyze data and write clear technical reports.
• Identify safety hazards and develop SOPs.
• Collaborate with R&D to troubleshoot issues.
• Select equipment for lab, pilot, and commercial scales.
• Contribute to PFDs and P&IDs.
• Research new technologies for process improvement.
• Support plant operations during initial production runs.

Education

Master's degree or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

ChemCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent manufacturer of high-purity fine chemicals, is seeking an innovative and detail-oriented Process Development Chemical Engineer . This role, located in Pretoria , offers a hybrid work arrangement, blending critical laboratory and pilot plant activities with remote analysis and reporting. You will be at the forefront of developing and scaling up novel chemical processes, from laboratory benchtop to pilot-scale production, ensuring robustness, efficiency, and safety. Your expertise will be crucial in translating R&D breakthroughs into viable manufacturing processes for specialty chemicals. This position requires a strong aptitude for experimentation, data analysis, and a deep understanding of chemical reaction engineering and separation technologies. We are looking for a proactive individual who thrives on solving complex technical challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments at laboratory and pilot scales to develop and optimize chemical processes.
• Develop process models and simulations to predict performance and identify key operating parameters.
• Scale-up processes from laboratory to pilot plant and potentially to commercial scale.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and provide clear, concise technical reports.
• Identify and address potential safety hazards associated with new processes and ensure safe operating procedures are developed.
• Collaborate with R&D chemists and engineers to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues.
• Evaluate and select appropriate equipment for laboratory, pilot, and commercial scale operations.
• Contribute to the development of process flow diagrams (PFDs) and piping & instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs).
• Research and implement new technologies and methodologies for process improvement.
• Support plant operations by providing technical assistance during initial production runs.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in process development, scale-up, or chemical manufacturing.
• Proven track record in developing and optimizing chemical processes, preferably in fine or specialty chemicals.
• Strong knowledge of reaction engineering, thermodynamics, kinetics, and separation processes.
• Experience with laboratory and pilot plant equipment and operations.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, ChemCAD).
• Excellent data analysis and statistical interpretation skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical information clearly.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, managing time between on-site experimentation and remote analysis.
• Experience with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) or Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) is a plus.

Benefits

Our client provides a competitive salary and benefits package, including health insurance and a retirement fund. You will have ample opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work on cutting-edge projects in the fine chemicals sector in Pretoria . The hybrid work model supports work-life balance. Join a highly skilled team focused on innovation and excellence in chemical process development.