Process Development Engineer (Specialty Chemicals)

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Híbrido; ZAR 1.976.000 - 2.964.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Health insurance

Retirement savings options

Remote work flexibility

Online training and conferences

Descripción de la vacante

Placements24 is seeking a Process Development Engineer for a fully remote role advancing high‑performance specialty chemical processes from lab bench to pilot plant and toward commercial production.

The candidate will develop synthesis routes, perform scale‑up calculations, and collaborate with R&D and manufacturing teams to transfer technology effectively while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance. Strong data analysis and remote teamwork are essential.

Formación

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or closely related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in process development, scale-up, and optimization within the specialty chemical or fine chemical industry.
• Proven experience with reaction engineering, catalysis, and separation technologies.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (Aspen Plus, ChemCAD) and statistical analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of chemical synthesis and laboratory techniques.
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Superior communication and collaboration skills, with experience working effectively in remote teams.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsabilidades

• Develop and optimize synthesis routes and manufacturing processes for specialty chemicals.
• Conduct laboratory experiments and pilot plant trials to validate process designs.
• Analyze experimental data to understand process parameters and identify areas for improvement.
• Perform scale-up calculations and develop process flow diagrams.
• Identify and evaluate new process technologies and equipment.
• Collaborate with R&D chemists to ensure seamless technology transfer from lab to plant.
• Troubleshoot and resolve process-related issues during development and scale-up phases.
• Ensure all process development activities comply with safety and environmental regulations.
• Prepare technical reports, documentation, and presentations on process development findings.
• Contribute to the intellectual property portfolio through invention disclosures.

Conocimientos

Process development

Scale-up

Reaction engineering

Catalysis

Separation technologies

Statistical analysis

Remote collaboration

Educación

Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering

Herramientas

Aspen Plus

ChemCAD

Descripción del empleo

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering force in the development of high-performance specialty chemicals, is seeking an innovative and driven Process Development Engineer . This role is fully remote, offering flexibility and the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research and development from anywhere. You will be instrumental in developing and optimizing novel chemical processes, focusing on scalability, efficiency, and safety from laboratory bench to pilot plant and eventual commercial production. This position requires a deep understanding of chemical kinetics, reaction engineering, and separation processes, combined with excellent problem-solving skills. You will collaborate closely with R&D chemists, analytical scientists, and manufacturing teams to translate laboratory discoveries into robust, industrially viable processes. If you are passionate about chemical innovation and thrive in a collaborative, remote environment, this is the perfect opportunity to advance your career in the dynamic field of specialty chemicals.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and optimize chemical synthesis routes and manufacturing processes for specialty chemicals. Conduct laboratory experiments and pilot plant trials to validate process designs. Analyze experimental data to understand process parameters and identify areas for improvement. Perform scale-up calculations and develop process flow diagrams. Identify and evaluate new process technologies and equipment. Collaborate with R&D chemists to ensure seamless technology transfer from lab to plant. Troubleshoot and resolve process-related issues during development and scale-up phases. Ensure all process development activities comply with safety and environmental regulations. Prepare technical reports, documentation, and presentations on process development findings. Contribute to the intellectual property portfolio through invention disclosures.

Requirements

Master's degree or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or a closely related field. Minimum of 6 years of experience in process development, scale-up, and optimization within the specialty chemical or fine chemical industry. Proven experience with reaction engineering, catalysis, and separation technologies. Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, ChemCAD) and statistical analysis tools. Strong understanding of chemical synthesis and laboratory techniques. Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem‑solving skills. Superior communication and collaboration skills, with experience working effectively in remote teams. Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package and a comprehensive benefits program, including health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as retirement savings options. This fully remote position provides exceptional work‑life balance and the flexibility to work from home. We provide opportunities for continuous learning and professional development, including access to online training, conferences, and industry workshops. You will be part of an innovative and supportive team, contributing to the development of groundbreaking chemical products. Our client is dedicated to fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and employee growth.