Process Development Engineer

Placements24; Paarl; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,350,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical insurance

Retirement plan

Training opportunities

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Process Development Engineer to lead chemical process development from bench to scale-up, with focus on efficiency, safety, and sustainability. The role is remote with possible site visits near Paarl, Western Cape, enabling close collaboration with local teams.

Ideal candidates hold a Master’s or PhD in Chemical Engineering (or a Bachelor’s with significant experience), 5+ years in process development, and proficiency with Aspen Plus or HYSYS.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering, or Bachelor's with significant experience.
• 5+ years in chemical process development, scale-up and optimization.
• Experience with process simulation software (Aspen Plus, HYSYS).

Responsibilities

• Design and execute laboratory and pilot-scale experiments to develop and optimize chemical processes.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and recommend improvements.
• Develop process models and simulations to predict behavior and optimize conditions.
• Lead scale-up from laboratory to pilot plant and commercial manufacturing.
• Specify equipment and ensure safety and environmental compliance.
• Collaborate with R&D, engineering, and operations teams for implementation.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, documentation, and presentations.
• Stay current with advancements in chemical engineering and sustainable practices.
• Troubleshoot process issues during development and scale-up.

Skills

Process development

Analytical skills

Experimental design

Remote collaboration

Technical writing

Education

Master's degree in Chemical Engineering

PhD in Chemical Engineering

Bachelor's degree with relevant experience

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in sustainable chemical manufacturing, is seeking a highly motivated Process Development Engineer to join their innovative team, based remotely but with potential site visits to their facilities near Paarl, Western Cape . This critical role focuses on the research, development, and optimization of new and existing chemical processes to enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability. You will be involved in bench-scale experimentation, pilot plant trials, and the scale-up of processes for commercial production. The ideal candidate possesses a strong understanding of chemical engineering principles, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic, research-oriented environment. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to green chemistry initiatives from a remote location, with a connection to the picturesque region of Paarl, Western Cape .

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute laboratory and pilot-scale experiments to develop and optimize chemical processes.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and make recommendations for process improvements.
• Develop process models and simulations to predict process behavior and optimize operating conditions.
• Lead the scale-up of processes from laboratory to pilot plant and commercial manufacturing.
• Specify and evaluate process equipment for new and existing operations.
• Conduct process hazard analyses (PHAs) and ensure safety and environmental compliance in process designs.
• Collaborate with R&D, engineering, and operations teams to ensure successful process implementation.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, documentation, and presentations on process development activities.
• Stay current with advancements in chemical engineering technologies and sustainable practices.
• Troubleshoot process issues encountered during development and scale-up phases.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Chemical Engineering, or a Bachelor's degree with significant relevant experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in chemical process development, scale-up, and optimization.
• Proven experience with process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS).
• Strong understanding of reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and transport phenomena.
• Experience in performing PHAs and applying process safety principles.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and experimental design skills.
• Strong technical writing and communication abilities for remote collaboration.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple projects effectively.
• Familiarity with sustainable chemistry principles is highly desirable.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to company sites near Paarl, Western Cape .

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package commensurate with experience, coupled with performance-driven bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans are provided.
• A robust retirement savings plan is in place.
• The company is committed to professional growth, offering extensive training, conference attendance, and opportunities for further academic pursuit.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation and sick leave, is offered.
• This role provides the flexibility of remote work while connecting you to the significant chemical industry presence near Paarl, Western Cape .