Process Development Engineer - Chemicals

Placements24; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 650,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site role in Centurion

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a dedicated Process Development Engineer in Centurion to advance chemical processes from lab to pilot plant. You will work hands-on in a modern laboratory and pilot facility, translating lab innovations into scalable manufacturing solutions while collaborating with chemists, operators, and production staff.

The ideal candidate holds a Chemical Engineering or Chemistry degree with at least four years of process development experience and expertise in lab techniques,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related field.
• Minimum 4 years hands-on experience in process development or scale-up.
• Experience with pilot plants and analytical instrumentation.
• Strong report writing and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments to develop and optimize chemical synthesis routes and purification methods.
• Scale up chemical processes from laboratory bench to pilot plant scale, identifying and mitigating potential scale-up challenges.
• Operate and maintain laboratory and pilot plant equipment, ensuring proper calibration and adherence to safety protocols.
• Analyze process data, interpret results, and provide clear, concise recommendations for process improvements.
• Prepare detailed technical reports and present findings to project teams and management.
• Ensure all process development activities comply with safety, environmental, and quality standards.

Skills

Lab techniques

Analytical instrumentation

Pilot plant operations

Scale-up principles

Reaction kinetics

Thermodynamics

Mass transfer

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dedicated Process Development Engineer to join their established team in Centurion . This is an on-site role focused on the hands-on development and optimization of chemical processes within a state-of-the-art laboratory and pilot plant facility. You will be responsible for translating laboratory innovations into scalable, efficient, and robust manufacturing processes. This position requires a practical, results-oriented engineer who thrives in a collaborative environment, working closely with research chemists, pilot plant operators, and manufacturing personnel to bring new chemical products to market successfully and efficiently.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments to develop and optimize chemical synthesis routes and purification methods.
• Scale up chemical processes from laboratory bench to pilot plant scale, identifying and mitigating potential scale-up challenges.
• Operate and maintain laboratory and pilot plant equipment, ensuring proper calibration and adherence to safety protocols.
• Analyze process data, interpret results, and provide clear, concise recommendations for process improvements.
• Prepare detailed technical reports and present findings to project teams and management.
• Ensure all process development activities comply with safety, environmental, and quality standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related scientific field.
• Minimum of 4 years of hands-on experience in process development or scale-up, ideally within the chemical industry.
• Proficiency in laboratory techniques and analytical instrumentation.
• Experience with pilot plant operations and process scale-up principles.
• Strong understanding of chemical reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and mass transfer.
• Excellent report writing and presentation skills, with a keen eye for detail.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary with potential for annual bonuses.
• Full benefits package including medical aid, life insurance, and pension fund.
• Generous provision of on-the-job training and professional development opportunities.
• Access to advanced laboratory and pilot plant facilities.
• A stable and supportive work environment focused on innovation and safety.
• Company-sponsored social events and wellness programs.