Process Development Engineer - Speciality Chemicals

Placements24; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement savings plan

Performance incentives

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Process Development Engineer for its client in the speciality chemicals sector, based in Tembisa, Gauteng. You will advance manufacturing processes from lab scale through pilot and full-scale production, focusing on safety, quality, and efficiency.

The role requires a Master of Engineering or Science in Chemical Engineering with at least 6 years of process development and scale-up experience, plus hands-on pilot plant work and proficiency in CHEMCAD or ASPEN PLUS.

Qualifications

• M.Eng. or M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 6 years of experience in process development, scale-up and manufacturing.
• Hands-on pilot plant operations experience and process troubleshooting.
• Proficiency with chemical process simulation tools (CHEMCAD, ASPEN PLUS).
• Strong analytical, safety‑mocethinking and cross‑functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize chemical manufacturing processes for new and existing speciality products.
• Scale up processes from laboratory and pilot to commercial production, managing technical aspects.
• Conduct pilot plant trials, collect data, and refine process parameters.
• Create PFDs, P&IDs and equipment datasheets for new installations or modifications.
• Perform process safety reviews and ensure compliance with HSE regulations.
• Collaborate with R&D and production teams for technology transfer.
• Troubleshoot deviations and implement solutions to maintain quality and stability.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and waste reduction.
• Prepare technical reports, operating procedures and training materials.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing and engineering departments.

Skills

Process development

Scale-up

Data analysis

Teamwork

Communication

Problem solving

Hands-on

Education

M.Eng./M.Sc. Chemical Engineering

Tools

CHEMCAD

ASPEN PLUS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished name in the speciality chemicals sector, is actively searching for a dedicated Process Development Engineer to enhance their operations in Tembisa, Gauteng. This role is crucial for innovating and improving the manufacturing processes of high-value chemical products. You will be involved in taking new chemical formulations from laboratory scale through to pilot and full-scale production, ensuring efficiency, safety, and quality at every stage. The successful candidate will be a proactive individual with a strong foundation in chemical engineering principles and practical experience in process scale-up and troubleshooting. This is an excellent opportunity to join a forward-thinking company that invests in research and development, offering a chance to make significant contributions to product innovation and process enhancement within the Tembisa industrial area.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize chemical manufacturing processes for new and existing speciality chemical products.
• Scale up processes from laboratory and pilot plant to commercial production, managing all technical aspects.
• Conduct pilot plant trials, gather data, and analyze results to refine process parameters.
• Develop PFDs, P&IDs, and equipment datasheets for new process installations or modifications.
• Perform process safety reviews and ensure compliance with all HSE regulations.
• Collaborate closely with R&D chemists and production teams to ensure seamless technology transfer.
• Troubleshoot process deviations and implement robust solutions to maintain product quality and process stability.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements, cost reduction, and waste minimization.
• Author technical reports, operating procedures, and training materials.
• Provide technical support to the manufacturing and engineering departments.

Requirements

• M.Eng. or M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in process development, scale-up, and manufacturing, preferably in speciality chemicals.
• Hands-on experience with pilot plant operations and process troubleshooting.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., CHEMCAD, ASPEN PLUS).
• Solid understanding of chemical engineering fundamentals, including reaction engineering and separation processes.
• Experience with Process Safety Management (PSM) principles and HAZOP studies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, able to work effectively in cross-functional teams.
• Project management skills are desirable.
• Ability to work effectively in a hands-on environment within the Tembisa facility.

Benefits

Our client provides an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive base salary, performance incentives, and a comprehensive benefits plan covering health insurance and retirement savings. This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth, exposure to innovative chemical technologies, and the chance to lead critical development projects. You will be part of a collaborative and supportive team dedicated to advancing chemical manufacturing excellence in Tembisa, Gauteng.