Process Development Engineer - Chemicals

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 950,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Health & wellness benefits

Professional development support

Education sponsorship

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an innovative Process Development Engineer to join their Mossel Bay team. The role focuses on research, development, and scale-up of new chemical processes and products, translating lab discoveries into viable commercial operations.

You will collaborate with R&D scientists and production to drive bench-to-pilot-to-commercial scale-up, design experiments, and develop PFDs and energy balances while contributing to sustainable chemical solutions in the Western Cape.

Qualifications

• Degree in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• 4+ years in process development or scale-up.
• Hands-on lab and pilot plant experience preferred.
• Strong report writing and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead process development from bench to commercial scale-up.
• Design experiments to define parameters and optimize conditions.
• Develop PFDs, mass and energy balances, and equipment specs.
• Conduct techno-economic analyses and risk assessments.
• Troubleshoot technical challenges during development.
• Prepare reports and present findings to stakeholders.

Skills

Process development

Scale-up

Laboratory operations

Statistical analysis

Reaction engineering

Education

Chemical Engineering degree

Tools

Process simulation software

Statistical analysis software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an innovative Process Development Engineer to join their team in Mossel Bay . This role is focused on the research, development, and scale-up of new chemical processes and products. You will work collaboratively with R&D scientists and production teams to translate laboratory discoveries into viable commercial operations. This position offers a unique blend of research and practical application, contributing to the company's pipeline of new chemical technologies. Located in the scenic Western Cape, this role provides an opportunity to grow your career in a company committed to innovation and sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead process development activities from bench scale through pilot plant to commercial scale-up.
• Design and execute experiments to define process parameters, optimize conditions, and assess feasibility.
• Develop process flow diagrams (PFDs), mass and energy balances, and preliminary equipment specifications.
• Conduct techno-economic assessments and risk analyses for new process initiatives.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges encountered during process development and scale-up.
• Prepare comprehensive reports and present findings to project stakeholders and management.

Requirements

• Degree in Chemical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in process development, scale-up, or process engineering.
• Hands-on experience with laboratory and pilot plant operations is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in process simulation software and statistical analysis techniques.
• Strong understanding of reaction engineering and separation processes.
• Excellent report writing, presentation, and interpersonal skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with annual performance reviews.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Support for professional development and further education.
• An inspiring work environment focused on innovation and discovery.