Process Development Engineer - Fine Chemicals

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 424,000 - 701,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote contract

Fully remote work

Monthly pay

Exposure to diverse projects

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Process Development Engineer for a fully remote contract role focused on developing and optimizing fine chemical synthesis routes. You will drive yield, purity, and cost improvements, scale from lab to pilot and collaborate with R&D and production teams from your home office.

The ideal candidate has a Master's in Chemical Engineering or Organic Chemistry, 5+ years in process development, strong data analysis and technical writing skills, and proven ability to manage projects

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or Organic Chemistry.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process development in fine chemicals or pharmaceutical intermediates.
• Strong understanding of synthetic organic chemistry and reaction mechanisms.
• Proven experience in scaling up chemical processes and troubleshooting production issues.
• Proficiency with laboratory equipment and analytical techniques (HPLC, GC-MS, NMR).
• Excellent data analysis and technical writing skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage projects remotely.
• Strong virtual communication and collaboration skills.
• Knowledge of process safety principles and hazard evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize chemical synthesis processes for fine chemicals, focusing on yield, purity, and cost-effectiveness.
• Conduct laboratory experiments and bench-scale studies to validate new process concepts.
• Perform process hazard analyses and risk assessments for new and modified processes.
• Scale-up processes from laboratory to pilot plant and to commercial production.
• Analyze experimental data and generate comprehensive technical reports.
• Collaborate virtually with R&D chemists, production teams, and quality control specialists.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.
• Ensure compliance with safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks and process documentation.

Skills

Data analysis

Technical writing

Remote collaboration

Remote work

Project management

Independent work

Education

Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or Organic Chemistry

Tools

HPLC

GC-MS

NMR

Job description

Our client, a niche manufacturer of high-purity fine chemicals, is actively seeking a talented Process Development Engineer for a remote-based contract role. This position is ideal for an experienced professional who can independently drive the development and optimization of complex chemical synthesis routes. The focus will be on improving process efficiency, yield, and purity for our range of specialized chemical products. This is a fully remote position, requiring strong self-discipline and excellent virtual collaboration skills. You will play a key role in ensuring our manufacturing processes remain competitive and sustainable, contributing directly to our strategic goals from your home office. This role is perfect for someone seeking flexibility and challenging technical work.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize chemical synthesis processes for fine chemicals, focusing on yield, purity, and cost-effectiveness.
• Conduct laboratory experiments and bench-scale studies to validate new process concepts.
• Perform process hazard analyses and risk assessments for new and modified processes.
• Scale-up processes from laboratory to pilot plant and ultimately to commercial production.
• Analyze experimental data and generate comprehensive technical reports.
• Collaborate virtually with R&D chemists, production teams, and quality control specialists.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance operational efficiency and reduce waste.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory notebooks and process documentation.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or Organic Chemistry.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process development, particularly within the fine chemicals or pharmaceutical intermediates industry.
• Strong understanding of synthetic organic chemistry and reaction mechanisms.
• Proven experience in scaling up chemical processes and troubleshooting production issues.
• Proficiency with laboratory equipment and analytical techniques (e.g., HPLC, GC-MS, NMR).
• Excellent data analysis and technical writing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage projects effectively in a remote setting.
• Strong virtual communication and collaboration skills.
• Knowledge of process safety principles and hazard evaluation.

Benefits

• As a contractor, you will receive a competitive daily rate reflective of your expertise, paid on a monthly basis.
• This role offers the significant benefit of full remote work, providing unparalleled flexibility and work-life balance. Our client offers exposure to diverse and challenging chemical synthesis projects, enhancing your professional portfolio.
• You will have the opportunity to work with a dedicated team of experts and contribute to the development of innovative chemical products.
• While this is a contract position, opportunities for further project engagements may arise based on performance and project needs.
• The virtual collaboration tools and project management support will ensure you are well-equipped for success.