Process Development Engineer - Chemical

Placements24; George; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement planning

Professional development

Advanced lab access

Job summary

Placements24 in George seeks a Process Development Engineer to advance chemical processes from lab discovery to industrial-scale production in our state-of-the-art facility. You will drive development, optimization, and scale-up with R&D and manufacturing teams to enable seamless technology transfer and plant start-ups.

The ideal candidate holds a Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering with 5+ years in process development and scale-up, plus skills in DOE, data analysis, and technical writing

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Chemical Engineering.
• 5+ years in process development, scale-up, and R&D in chemicals/pharma.
• Hands-on pilot plant experience and process troubleshooting.
• Strong knowledge of reaction engineering, process control and safety.
• Familiarity with DOE methodologies and data analysis.
• Excellent technical writing and presentations.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and optimization of novel chemical processes from bench to pilot and commercial scale.
• Conduct experiments, data analysis, and modeling to define operating parameters and scalability.
• Prepare PFDs, P&IDs, and equipment specifications for new processes.
• Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, and engineering for technology transfer and plant start-ups.
• Identify solutions to improve efficiency, yield, and reduce environmental impact.
• Ensure safety, quality standards, and regulatory compliance throughout development.

Skills

Data analysis

Technical writing

Presentation skills

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Master's degree / PhD in Chemical Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dedicated Process Development Engineer to enhance their innovative chemical operations in George . This role is focused on the research, development, and scaling up of new chemical processes and products. You will be instrumental in translating laboratory discoveries into viable, industrial-scale production methods, working in a state-of-the-art facility. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in chemical engineering principles and a passion for innovation, contributing to the company's leading position in specialty chemicals and ensuring efficient, safe, and sustainable process implementation in the George region.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and optimization of novel chemical processes from bench-scale to pilot and commercial scale.
• Conduct rigorous experimentation, data analysis, and process modeling to define critical operating parameters and ensure scalability.
• Prepare detailed process design packages, including PFDs, P&IDs, and equipment specifications for new process implementation.
• Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, and engineering teams to ensure seamless technology transfer and successful plant start-ups.
• Identify and implement innovative solutions to improve process efficiency, yield, and reduce environmental impact.
• Ensure adherence to all safety protocols , quality standards, and regulatory requirements throughout the development lifecycle in George .

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Chemical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process development, scale-up, and R&D within the chemical or pharmaceutical industry.
• Hands-on experience with pilot plant operations and troubleshooting complex chemical processes.
• Strong understanding of chemical reaction engineering, process control, and safety principles.
• Familiarity with statistical analysis and design of experiments (DOE) methodologies.
• Excellent technical writing and presentation skills for documenting and communicating findings effectively.

Benefits

• Attractive salary and performance-driven incentive programs.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement planning options.
• Generous support for professional development, attending conferences, and further education.
• A dynamic and collaborative research environment at the George site.
• Access to advanced laboratory equipment and pilot plant facilities.