Process Development Engineer - Chemical Manufacturing

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, is seeking a Process Development Engineer to optimize and scale up chemical manufacturing processes across lab, pilot, and production stages.

You will design experiments, analyze data, and implement improvements to enhance yield, safety, and sustainability, collaborating with R&D, production, and engineering teams in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process development or chemical process engineering.
• Strong understanding of chemical reaction engineering, thermodynamics, and mass transfer.
• Experience with pilot plant operations and scale-up principles.
• Proficiency in designing and interpreting experiments (DOE).
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and scale-up chemical manufacturing processes from laboratory to pilot and commercial scale.
• Design and execute experimental plans (DOE) to understand process variables and identify optimal operating conditions.
• Analyze data, draw conclusions, and recommend process improvements.
• Develop PFDs and P&IDs and collaborate with R&D, production, and engineering teams.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations; improve yield, quality, and efficiency.

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a key player in the specialty chemicals sector, is looking for a talented Process Development Engineer to join their innovative team in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape . This role is central to optimizing and scaling up new and existing chemical manufacturing processes. You will be responsible for designing, conducting experiments, analyzing data, and implementing process improvements to enhance efficiency, yield, safety, and sustainability. The position involves a blend of hands-on laboratory and pilot plant work, alongside strategic process design and analysis, requiring collaboration with R&D, production, and engineering teams. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to advancements in chemical production within the Manufacturing & Production industry.

Key Responsibilities

Develop, optimize, and scale-up chemical manufacturing processes from laboratory to pilot and commercial scale. Design and execute experimental plans (DOE) to understand process variables and identify optimal operating conditions. Analyze experimental data, draw conclusions, and recommend process improvements. Develop process flow diagrams (PFDs) and piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs). Collaborate with R&D chemists and engineers to translate lab discoveries into robust manufacturing processes. Conduct process hazard analyses (PHAs) and implement safety measures. Troubleshoot process issues and implement solutions to improve yield, quality, and efficiency. Prepare technical reports, summaries, and presentations on process development activities. Ensure compliance with all environmental, health, and safety regulations in Port Elizabeth .

Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering. Minimum of 5 years of experience in process development or chemical process engineering, preferably in specialty chemicals or related fields. Strong understanding of chemical reaction engineering, thermodynamics, and mass transfer. Experience with process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS) is highly desirable. Proficiency in designing and interpreting experiments (DOE). Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to work effectively in a team environment and independently. Familiarity with pilot plant operations and scale-up principles. Knowledge of Manufacturing & Production best practices in chemical industries.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, reflective of your skills and experience, along with a comprehensive benefits program including medical aid, a retirement fund, and opportunities for professional development.

This role provides a stimulating environment for innovation and problem-solving in the Eastern Cape , with excellent prospects for career advancement within a growing company. You will be part of a team dedicated to advancing chemical manufacturing technologies and sustainability.