Process Development Scientist - Chemical Engineering

Placements24; Richards Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Retirement benefits

Career development

Pilot plant facilities access

Hybrid work arrangement

Collaborative environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly skilled Process Development Scientist to join their Richards Bay team. The role combines essential on-site lab and pilot plant work with remote data analysis and reporting in a hybrid setup.

You will optimize and scale chemical processes, focusing on safety, efficiency, and economic viability while applying reaction engineering, process simulation, and scale-up principles to develop next-generation chemical manufacturing processes.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 6 years of experience in process development and scale-up within the chemical industry.
• Proficiency in process simulation software and data analysis tools.
• Strong knowledge of chemical kinetics, thermodynamics, and separation technologies.
• Experience with safety assessments (e.g., HAZOP) and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Design, conduct, and analyze experiments to optimize chemical reaction conditions and separation processes.
• Develop and validate process models using simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS).
• Oversee pilot plant operations, troubleshooting issues and ensuring smooth scale-up from laboratory to commercial production.
• Implement process control strategies to enhance yield, purity, and safety.
• Conduct techno-economic assessments to evaluate the feasibility and profitability of new processes.
• Prepare detailed technical reports and present findings to project teams and management.

Skills

Process development

Scale-up expertise

Data analysis

Problem-solving

Hybrid work

Education

Ph.D. or Master’s in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

Process simulation tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly skilled Process Development Scientist with a background in Chemical Engineering to join their innovative team in Richards Bay. This role operates under a hybrid model, allowing for essential on-site laboratory and pilot plant work, complemented by remote data analysis and reporting. You will be responsible for optimizing and scaling up chemical processes, ensuring efficiency, safety, and economic viability. The position requires a strong understanding of chemical reaction engineering, process simulation, and scale-up principles, along with the ability to troubleshoot complex operational challenges. You'll be contributing to the development of next-generation chemical manufacturing processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, conduct, and analyze experiments to optimize chemical reaction conditions and separation processes.
• Develop and validate process models using simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS).
• Oversee pilot plant operations, troubleshooting issues and ensuring smooth scale-up from laboratory to commercial production.
• Implement process control strategies to enhance yield, purity, and safety.
• Conduct techno-economic assessments to evaluate the feasibility and profitability of new processes.
• Prepare detailed technical reports and present findings to project teams and management.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in process development and scale-up within the chemical industry.
• Proficiency in process simulation software and data analysis tools.
• Strong knowledge of chemical reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and separation technologies.
• Experience with safety assessments (e.g., HAZOP) and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for career advancement and professional development.
• Access to modern pilot plant facilities and advanced analytical equipment.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility.
• A collaborative work environment focused on innovation and efficiency.