Process Development Engineer - Specialty Chemicals

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary & incentives

Health insurance

Retirement savings plan

Paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Hybrid role

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, is seeking a Process Development Engineer to drive development and scale-up of new chemical products and processes. You will transform laboratory concepts into viable commercial operations, working with R&D chemists and engineers to transfer technology and optimize synthesis routes.

The role requires a solid chemical engineering background, hands-on lab and pilot plant experience, and expertise in process simulation (ChemCAD/Aspen Plus).

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process development, scale-up, and/or chemical manufacturing.
• Hands-on experience with laboratory and pilot plant operations.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (ChemCAD, Aspen Plus).
• Strong understanding of organic chemistry principles and reaction kinetics is highly desirable.
• Experience with PHA methodologies (HAZOP, FMEA).
• Excellent data analysis, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work in multidisciplinary teams.
• Familiarity with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Adaptability and a proactive approach to challenges.

Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory and pilot-scale experiments to develop and optimize chemical synthesis routes and product formulations.
• Design and execute scale-up studies, identifying and mitigating risks associated with transitioning from lab to plant scale.
• Develop detailed process descriptions, PFDs, P&IDs, and operating procedures for new processes.
• Collaborate with R&D chemists and engineers to ensure seamless technology transfer.
• Perform process hazard analyses (PHAs) and implement safety measures for new and existing processes.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and provide clear, concise reports and recommendations.
• Work closely with manufacturing teams to troubleshoot and improve existing production processes.
• Evaluate and select appropriate process equipment for pilot and commercial scale operations.
• Ensure all development activities comply with company policies, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to intellectual property generation through patent applications and technical disclosures.

Skills

Data analysis

Problem-solving

Communication

Collaboration

Critical thinking

Education

Bachelors degree in Chemical Engineering

Master's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

ChemCAD

Aspen Plus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and innovative player in the specialty chemicals market, is seeking a motivated Process Development Engineer for their facility in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal . This role is focused on the research, development, and scale-up of new chemical products and processes, transforming laboratory concepts into viable commercial operations. You will be integral to the innovation pipeline, working on cutting-edge technologies and contributing to the company's competitive edge. This position requires a strong foundation in chemical engineering principles, combined with a passion for problem-solving and hands-on experimentation. It's a fantastic opportunity to grow within a company that values creativity and technical expertise, contributing to the vibrant industrial landscape of Durban .

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory and pilot-scale experiments to develop and optimize chemical synthesis routes and product formulations.
• Design and execute scale-up studies, identifying and mitigating risks associated with transitioning from lab to plant scale.
• Develop detailed process descriptions, PFDs, P&IDs, and operating procedures for new processes.
• Collaborate with R&D chemists and engineers to ensure seamless technology transfer.
• Perform process hazard analyses (PHAs) and implement safety measures for new and existing processes.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and provide clear, concise reports and recommendations.
• Work closely with manufacturing teams to troubleshoot and improve existing production processes.
• Evaluate and select appropriate process equipment for pilot and commercial scale operations.
• Ensure all development activities comply with company policies, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to intellectual property generation through patent applications and technical disclosures.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process development, scale-up, and/or chemical manufacturing, preferably in specialty chemicals or fine chemicals.
• Hands-on experience with laboratory and pilot plant operations.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., ChemCAD, Aspen Plus).
• Strong understanding of organic chemistry principles and reaction kinetics is highly desirable.
• Experience with PHA methodologies (e.g., HAZOP, FMEA).
• Excellent data analysis, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work in multidisciplinary teams.
• Familiarity with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Adaptability and a proactive approach to challenges.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package and performance-based incentives.
• comprehensive health insurance, a retirement savings plan, and paid time off.
• Opportunities for professional development, attending industry workshops, and career advancement within the organization are provided.
• This hybrid role allows for a flexible work environment, combining essential on-site laboratory and plant work with remote analysis and reporting.

Employees are part of a forward-thinking company culture focused on innovation and sustainability in Durban .