Process Development Engineer - Fine Chemicals (Scale-Up)

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual performance bonus

Medical aid coverage

Provident fund

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Chemical Process Development Engineer in Polokwane to lead design, optimization, and scale-up of fine chemical synthesis routes and processes. You will bridge lab research and industrial production, ensuring efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness in a state-of-the-art facility.

Collaborating with chemists, analytical scientists, and engineers, you will analyze data, implement improvements, and ensure GMP-aligned documentation and compliance for high-value chemical

Qualifications

• B.Eng. or B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering required; a Master's degree or Ph.D. is advantageous.
• 3–6 years of experience in process development, preferably in fine chemical or pharmaceutical intermediates.
• Hands-on experience with chemical synthesis, reaction engineering, and purification techniques.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (ChemCad, Aspen HYSYS).
• Strong understanding of organic chemistry principles and reaction mechanisms.
• Experience with safety assessments and management of change procedures.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize synthetic routes and process parameters for fine chemical production.
• Scale-up processes from laboratory bench to pilot plant and commercial manufacturing.
• Conduct process hazard analyses (PHAs) and implement necessary safety controls.
• Utilize process simulation and modeling tools to predict process behavior and optimize performance.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex process issues encountered during development and production.
• Ensure all processes comply with quality, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Collaborate with R&D chemists, analytical scientists, and production engineers.
• Analyze process data, identify key performance indicators, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Prepare detailed process documentation, including batch records, SOPs, and validation reports.
• Stay informed about new technologies and methodologies in fine chemical synthesis and process engineering.

Skills

Chemical engineering

Analytical thinking

Project management

Communication

Education

B.Eng./B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering

Master's/PhD advantageous

Tools

ChemCad

Aspen HYSYS

Job description

Placements24 seeks a Chemical Process Development Engineer in Polokwane to lead design, optimization, and scale-up of fine chemical synthesis routes and processes. You will bridge lab research and industrial production, ensuring efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness in a state-of-the-art facility.

Collaborating with chemists, analytical scientists, and engineers, you will analyze data, implement improvements, and ensure GMP-aligned documentation and compliance for high-value chemical