Process Development Engineer - Specialty Chemicals

Placements24; Johannesburg; Presencial; ZAR 900 000 - 1 500 000; Tempo integral

Vantagens oferecidas por esta oferta de emprego

Annual bonus

Medical & dental insurance

Retirement fund

Resumo da oferta

Placements24 is seeking a Process Development Engineer in Klerksdorp to design, optimize, and scale-up chemical processes from lab to production. You will champion process R&D, PHAs, and safe, efficient operations in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

The role requires a chemical engineering degree with 6+ years in process development, scale-up, and optimization, plus strong skills in reaction engineering, thermodynamics, and process simulation tools.

Qualificações

• Bachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering required.
• Minimum 6 years in process development, scale-up, and optimization.

Responsabilidades

• Design and execute experiments to develop and optimize synthesis routes and separations.
• Perform process simulations, mass and energy balances, and scale-up calculations.
• Oversee pilot plant operations, troubleshoot issues, and analyze data for improvements.
• Create process docs: PFDs, P&IDs, SOPs, and safety protocols.
• Collaborate with R&D to transfer technology from bench-scale to manufacturing.
• Conduct PHAs and implement safety measures.
• Evaluate new equipment/technologies to boost performance.
• Support manufacturing during initial production runs.
• Ensure compliance with EH&S regulations.

Conhecimentos

Chemical reaction engineering

Thermodynamics

Separation technologies

Process simulation

Aspen Plus

Chemcad

PHA methodologies

Data analysis

Technical writing

Presentation skills

Team collaboration

Formação académica

Bachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering

Ferramentas

Aspen Plus

Chemcad

Descrição da oferta de emprego

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and innovative manufacturer of specialty chemicals, is looking for a talented Process Development Engineer to join their team in Klerksdorp, North West. This role is crucial for developing, optimizing, and scaling up new chemical processes from laboratory to pilot and ultimately to commercial production. You will be at the forefront of driving innovation, improving manufacturing efficiency, and ensuring the safe and sustainable production of high-value chemical products. The ideal candidate will have a strong academic background in chemical engineering and practical experience in process R&D, scale-up, and troubleshooting. This is a challenging and rewarding opportunity to contribute to the growth of a leading chemical company. We are seeking a candidate with a strong technical aptitude and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments to develop and optimize chemical synthesis routes and separation processes.
• Perform process simulations, mass and energy balances, and equipment sizing for scale-up.
• Oversee pilot plant operations, troubleshoot issues, and analyze data to inform process improvements.
• Develop comprehensive process documentation, including PFDs, P&IDs, operating procedures, and safety protocols.
• Collaborate closely with R&D chemists and engineers to facilitate the seamless transfer of technology from bench-scale to manufacturing.
• Conduct Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs) and implement necessary safety measures.
• Evaluate and recommend new equipment and technologies to enhance process performance and efficiency.
• Provide technical support to the manufacturing team during initial production runs and ongoing operations.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant environmental, health, and safety regulations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in process development, scale-up, and optimization within the chemical industry.
• Proven experience in designing and conducting laboratory and pilot plant studies.
• Strong knowledge of chemical reaction engineering, thermodynamics, and separation technologies.
• Proficiency with process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, Chemcad) and data analysis tools.
• Experience with Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) methodologies (e.g., HAZOP).
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong technical writing and presentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Experience in continuous manufacturing processes is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, annual bonus, comprehensive medical and dental insurance, and a generous retirement fund. Opportunities for professional development and further education are actively supported. The role is located in Klerksdorp, providing a balanced lifestyle. This is an excellent career move for an engineer passionate about chemical process innovation.