Process Development Engineer - Fertilizers

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 950,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Professional development

Health benefits

Retirement benefits

Competitive salary

Performance bonus

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Process Development Engineer for a prominent fertilizer manufacturer in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. The role focuses on researching, developing, and optimizing chemical processes for fertilizer production, piloting new technologies, and scaling from lab to commercial scale.

The position offers hybrid work, requiring on-site lab and plant activity plus remote analysis and reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering required.
• Minimum 4 years in process development or R&D in chemical industry.
• Experience with DoE and statistical analysis.
• Familiarity with Aspen Plus or equivalent process simulation tools desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct laboratory and pilot-scale experiments for new process concepts.
• Analyze data, interpret results, and recommend process improvements.
• Develop models and simulations to predict performance and identify optimization opportunities.
• Scale-up from laboratory to pilot and commercial plant operations.
• Prepare detailed process documentation and P&IDs.

Skills

DoE experience

Data analysis

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

Job description

About the Role Our client, a prominent fertilizer manufacturing company, is seeking a dedicated Process Development Engineer to contribute to their innovative team in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This role is central to advancing our production capabilities through research, development, and optimization of chemical processes specifically for fertilizer production. You will be involved in piloting new technologies, scaling up processes from lab to commercial scale, and improving the efficiency and sustainability of existing operations. The position offers a hybrid work arrangement, allowing for a balance between crucial on-site laboratory and plant work and remote analysis and reporting. We are looking for a proactive engineer who is passionate about sustainable agriculture and chemical process innovation in the Richards Bay region.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute laboratory and pilot-scale experiments to evaluate new process concepts.
• Analyse experimental data, interpret results, and make recommendations for process improvements.
• Develop process models and simulations to predict performance and identify optimization opportunities.
• Scale-up processes from laboratory to pilot and commercial plant operations.
• Prepare detailed reports, process documentation, and P&IDs.
• Collaborate with R&D, engineering, and operations teams to ensure successful technology transfer.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges in process development and implementation.
• Research and evaluate new technologies and raw materials relevant to fertilizer production.
• Ensure all activities comply with safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of existing manufacturing processes.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in process development or R&D within the chemical industry, preferably in fertilizers or related fields (e.g., ammonia, urea, phosphates).
• Strong understanding of chemical kinetics, thermodynamics, and separation processes.
• Experience with experimental design (DoE) and statistical analysis.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus) is desirable.
• Excellent data analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Familiarity with safety protocols in a laboratory and pilot plant environment.
• Commitment to sustainable chemical manufacturing practices.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance bonus.
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
• Hybrid work flexibility, offering a blend of office/plant and remote work.
• Professional development opportunities and training programs.Exposure to cutting-edge fertilizer production technologies.
• A supportive and innovative work culture in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal.