Process Development Engineer - Scale-Up

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plans

State-of-the-art facility

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Process Development Engineer to lead pilot-scale development from lab to commercial implementation at our Nelspruit site, Mpumalanga. You will troubleshoot scale-up challenges, optimize reaction conditions, and ensure safe transitions of processes with hands-on involvement.

You will collaborate with R&D, plant operations, and engineering teams to transfer technology and deliver new products.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• 5-10 years of experience in process development, scale-up, and pilot plant operations.
• Proven experience in designing and operating pilot-scale chemical processes.
• Strong understanding of reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and separation processes.
• Familiarity with process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus) and data analysis tools.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a hands-on approach to troubleshooting.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for cross-functional collaboration.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects effectively.
• Commitment to safety, health, and environmental best practices.
• Experience in specialty chemicals or fine chemicals manufacturing is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute pilot plant trials to validate laboratory findings and assess process scalability.
• Optimize reaction parameters, separation techniques, and process conditions for efficiency and yield.
• Develop process flow diagrams (PFDs) and preliminary P&IDs for pilot and commercial scale operations.
• Conduct techno-economic evaluations for proposed process designs and modifications.
• Identify and mitigate potential safety hazards associated with new processes, performing risk assessments.
• Troubleshoot operational issues encountered during scale‑up and pilot plant operations.
• Specify and procure pilot plant equipment and instrumentation.
• Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, and engineering teams to ensure seamless technology transfer.
• Prepare detailed reports, technical documentation, and present findings to management and project teams.
• Ensure compliance with company safety standards and environmental regulations throughout the development process.

Skills

Process development

Scale-up

Pilot plant operations

Reaction kinetics

Thermodynamics

Process simulation

Data analysis

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Master's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in specialty chemicals and advanced materials, is seeking an experienced Process Development Engineer to join their innovation hub in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga . This role is focused on taking novel chemical processes from laboratory scale through to pilot and commercial implementation. You will be instrumental in troubleshooting scale‑up challenges, optimizing reaction conditions, and ensuring the safe and efficient transition of processes. The ideal candidate will possess a strong theoretical understanding of chemical engineering principles coupled with practical experience in pilot plant operations and process scale‑up. This is an on‑site position, crucial for hands‑on involvement with experimental setups and equipment. You will collaborate closely with R&D chemists, plant operations, and engineering teams to bring new products and processes to fruition. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of chemical manufacturing for our client.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute pilot plant trials to validate laboratory findings and assess process scalability.
• Optimize reaction parameters, separation techniques, and process conditions for efficiency and yield.
• Develop process flow diagrams (PFDs) and preliminary P&IDs for pilot and commercial scale operations.
• Conduct techno-economic evaluations for proposed process designs and modifications.
• Identify and mitigate potential safety hazards associated with new processes, performing risk assessments.
• Troubleshoot operational issues encountered during scale‑up and pilot plant operations.
• Specify and procure pilot plant equipment and instrumentation.
• Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, and engineering teams to ensure seamless technology transfer.
• Prepare detailed reports, technical documentation, and present findings to management and project teams.
• Ensure compliance with company safety standards and environmental regulations throughout the development process.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field.
• 5-10 years of experience in process development, scale‑up, and pilot plant operations.
• Proven experience in designing and operating pilot‑scale chemical processes.
• Strong understanding of reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and separation processes.
• Familiarity with process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus) and data analysis tools.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and a hands‑on approach to troubleshooting.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for cross‑functional collaboration.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects effectively.
• Commitment to safety, health, and environmental best practices.
• Experience in specialty chemicals or fine chemicals manufacturing is preferred.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, annual performance bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance and retirement plans.
• Opportunity to work in a state‑of‑the‑art facility located in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga .
• Direct involvement in bringing innovative chemical processes to life.
• Access to advanced pilot plant facilities and analytical equipment.
• Continuous professional development and training opportunities.
• A collaborative work environment with a strong focus on innovation and safety.
• Our client is committed to employee growth and well‑being.
• This is an essential on‑site role.