Process Development Engineer - Speciality Chemicals

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and bonus

Hybrid work environment

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Leave allowance and retirement plan

Access to cutting-edge facilities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an innovative Process Development Engineer to join their growing team in Durban, focusing on speciality chemicals. You will research, develop and scale-up novel chemical manufacturing processes, translating lab discoveries into viable industrial applications, ensuring safe, efficient and cost-effective production.

Work with research chemists, analytical scientists and production engineers; develop robust processes, perform hazard analyses, document batches, SOPs, and

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Chemical Engineering or Organic Chemistry.
• 5-8 years of experience in process development, scale-up, or manufacturing within the speciality chemical industry.
• Hands-on experience with laboratory equipment, pilot plants, and PAT.
• Knowledge of organic synthesis, catalysis, and chemical reaction engineering.
• Strong data analysis skills and experience with SPC.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and a systematic approach to development work.

Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory experiments and pilot plant trials to optimize reaction conditions, separation techniques, and purification methods.
• Develop robust and scalable manufacturing processes for new speciality chemical products.
• Perform process hazard analyses (PHA) and implement safety measures for new and existing processes.
• Collaborate closely with research chemists, analytical scientists, and production engineers.
• Generate detailed process documentation, including batch records, SOPs, and validation reports.
• Troubleshoot process issues encountered during scale-up and commercial production.

Skills

Data analysis

SPC

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Systematic development

Education

Master's degree or PhD in Chemical Engineering or Organic Chemistry

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Pilot plants

PAT (Process Analytical Technologies)

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an innovative Process Development Engineer to join their growing team in Durban , focusing on speciality chemicals. In this role, you will be responsible for the research, development, and scale-up of novel chemical manufacturing processes. You will work at the forefront of chemical innovation, translating laboratory discoveries into viable industrial applications, ensuring that new products can be manufactured safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively. This position requires a blend of scientific curiosity, engineering rigor, and a passion for bringing new chemical technologies to market.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory experiments and pilot plant trials to optimize reaction conditions, separation techniques, and purification methods.
• Develop robust and scalable manufacturing processes for new speciality chemical products.
• Perform process hazard analyses (PHA) and implement safety measures for new and existing processes.
• Collaborate closely with research chemists, analytical scientists, and production engineers.
• Generate detailed process documentation, including batch records, SOPs, and validation reports.
• Troubleshoot process issues encountered during scale-up and commercial production.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Chemical Engineering or Organic Chemistry.
• 5-8 years of experience in process development, scale-up, or manufacturing within the speciality chemical industry.
• Hands-on experience with laboratory equipment, pilot plants, and process analytical technologies (PAT).
• Knowledge of organic synthesis, catalysis, and chemical reaction engineering.
• Strong data analysis skills and experience with statistical process control (SPC).
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and a systematic approach to development work.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance bonus structure.
• Hybrid work environment offering flexibility.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous leave allowance and retirement savings plan.
• Access to cutting-edge research facilities and professional development opportunities.