Process Development Engineer

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Process Development Engineer for a leading chemical manufacturer in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. The role focuses on optimizing existing processes, developing new manufacturing techniques, and ensuring scalable production capabilities.

You will work with R&D, production, and QA teams across lab work, pilot plant trials, and data analysis to drive projects from concept to commercialization in a safety-conscious environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process development or related industrial role.
• Experience with process simulation software (Aspen Plus, HYSYS) is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and optimize chemical processes for efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
• Conduct pilot-scale studies and laboratory experiments to validate designs and gather data.
• Analyze process data to identify improvements and recommend actions.
• Develop and maintain process documentation (P&IDs, SOPs, batch records).
• Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, and QA to transfer and scale processes.
• Troubleshoot production issues and minimize downtime to maximize yield.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Stay updated on new technologies and best practices in chemical process development.
• Contribute to new product development with process engineering expertise.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Project management

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading player in the chemical manufacturing sector, is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Process Development Engineer to join their dynamic team in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to innovative process improvements and new product development. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in optimizing existing chemical processes, developing novel manufacturing techniques, and ensuring the scalability and efficiency of production. This position requires a strong foundation in chemical engineering principles coupled with a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to safety and quality standards. You will work closely with research and development teams, production staff, and senior management to drive project success from concept to commercialization. The role offers a blend of hands‑on laboratory work, pilot plant trials, and data analysis, making it ideal for an engineer who thrives in a challenging and rewarding environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and optimize chemical processes for efficiency, safety, and cost‑effectiveness.
• Conduct pilot‑scale studies and laboratory experiments to validate process designs and gather critical data.
• Analyze process data to identify areas for improvement and recommend corrective actions.
• Develop and maintain detailed process documentation, including P&IDs, SOPs, and batch records.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including R&D, manufacturing, and quality assurance, to ensure seamless process transfer and scale‑up.
• Troubleshoot production issues and implement solutions to minimize downtime and maximize yield.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Stay abreast of new technologies and industry best practices in chemical process development.
• Contribute to the development of new products by providing process engineering expertise.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process development, chemical engineering, or a related industrial role.
• Proven experience with process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS) is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of chemical reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and mass transfer.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills with a keen eye for detail.
• Proficiency in data analysis and statistical methods.
• Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and ISO standards.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment, specifically within Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal or similar industrial settings.
• Proficiency in project management methodologies.

Benefits

• Our client values its employees and offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a competitive salary, performance‑based bonuses, medical aid, and retirement fund contributions.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement within a growing organization are abundant.
• Employees also benefit from a supportive work environment and access to state‑of‑the‑art facilities in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal.
• This role provides the chance to work on cutting‑edge projects that have a significant impact on the industry.