Process Development Engineer - Specialty Chemicals

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Modern laboratory & pilot plant access

Competitive salary and benefits

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Process Development Engineer for a Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal role. You will bridge lab innovation and commercial production by developing and scaling new chemical processes with R&D and production teams.

The role offers on-site collaboration with flexible remote days for analysis and documentation. You will work on process development, hazard analyses, and technology transfer to ensure safe, efficient production of specialty chemicals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering; Master's preferred.
• 3–5 years in process development, scale-up or chemical manufacturing.
• Experience with lab and pilot plant operations; data analysis experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize chemical processes from lab scale to pilot plant.
• Conduct feasibility studies and risk assessments for new processes.
• Design pilot plant trials and collect data to define parameters.
• Create PFDs and P&IDs for new and modified processes.
• Collaborate with R&D and production to transfer tech to production.
• Troubleshoot process issues during development and initial runs.
• Evaluate new technologies to improve efficiency, safety and sustainability.
• Maintain notebooks and technical documentation with accuracy.
• Ensure SHE regulatory compliance and best practices.

Skills

Process development

Scale-up

Data analysis

Technical communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Aspen Plus

Process simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and innovative manufacturer of specialty chemicals, is seeking a talented Process Development Engineer to join their team in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This role focuses on the research, development, and scale-up of new chemical products and processes, bridging the gap between laboratory innovation and commercial production. You will work closely with R&D scientists and production engineers to translate novel chemical syntheses into safe, efficient, and economically viable manufacturing processes. The position offers a stimulating environment where creativity and technical rigor are highly valued. This hybrid role allows for focused work on-site with colleagues and flexible remote days for analysis and documentation, fostering both collaboration and individual productivity. We are looking for a forward-thinking engineer eager to contribute to the growth of a leading specialty chemical provider. Your expertise will be crucial in bringing innovative chemical solutions to market.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize chemical processes for the synthesis of new specialty chemicals, from lab scale to pilot plant.
• Conduct feasibility studies, process hazard analyses (PHAs), and risk assessments for new processes.
• Design and oversee pilot plant trials, collecting and analyzing data to define operating parameters and product specifications.
• Develop Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs) and Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) for new and modified processes.
• Collaborate with R&D chemists to understand reaction mechanisms, kinetics, and thermodynamics.
• Work with manufacturing engineers to ensure successful technology transfer and scale-up to commercial production.
• Troubleshoot and resolve process issues encountered during development and initial production runs.
• Identify and evaluate new technologies and equipment to improve process efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
• Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks, process development reports, and technical documentation.
• Ensure adherence to all safety, health, and environmental (SHE) regulations and best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering; a Master's degree is a plus.
• 3-5 years of experience in process development, scale-up, or chemical manufacturing, preferably in the specialty chemicals sector.
• Strong understanding of organic chemistry, reaction engineering, and physical separations.
• Experience with laboratory and pilot plant operations is essential.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus) and data analysis tools.
• Familiarity with safety procedures, including HAZOP studies.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a methodical approach to experimentation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical information clearly.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and independently.
• Commitment to safety and environmental best practices.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Opportunities for advanced training and professional development in chemical process technology.
• Paid time off including annual leave and public holidays.
• A dynamic work environment with opportunities for innovation in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility.
• Access to modern laboratory and pilot plant facilities.