Senior Biologics Process Development Engineer — Hybrid Role

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement annuity

Performance-based bonuses

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Process Development Engineer for our client in Polokwane, Limpopo, to lead upstream and/or downstream biologics process development, optimization, and transfer to manufacturing. You will design experiments, model processes, and develop robust, scalable manufacturing workflows compliant with cGMP.

You will mentor junior engineers, collaborate across QA, operations, and analytics, and stay abreast of industry advances to ensure product quality and yield in a

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, or a related field.
• A minimum of 6 years of experience in process development for biologics (e.g., monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins, vaccines).
• Proven expertise in upstream (cell culture) or downstream (chromatography/filtration) processing.
• Strong understanding of process scale-up principles and technology transfer.
• Experience with process modeling and statistical analysis is highly desirable.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong technical writing and presentation abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
• Familiarity with cGMP regulations and guidelines applicable to biologics manufacturing.
• Project management skills are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and optimization of upstream (cell culture) and/or downstream (purification) processes for biologics manufacturing.
• Design and execute experiments to understand process parameters and their impact on product quality and yield.
• Develop robust and scalable manufacturing processes suitable for technology transfer to manufacturing sites.
• Perform process characterization studies and develop control strategies.
• Troubleshoot process deviations and implement corrective and preventative actions (CAPAs).
• Author technical reports, development protocols, and transfer documents.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing operations, quality assurance, and analytical development.
• Stay current with industry trends, new technologies, and best practices in biologics manufacturing.
• Manage external CDMOs as needed.
• Mentor junior engineers and scientists within the process development team.

Skills

Bioprocessing

Upstream processing

Downstream processing

Process scale-up

cGMP

Process modeling

Statistical analysis

Technical writing

Presentation skills

Project management

Education

Master's degree in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering

PhD in Biotechnology or related field

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Process Development Engineer for our client in Polokwane, Limpopo, to lead upstream and/or downstream biologics process development, optimization, and transfer to manufacturing. You will design experiments, model processes, and develop robust, scalable manufacturing workflows compliant with cGMP.

You will mentor junior engineers, collaborate across QA, operations, and analytics, and stay abreast of industry advances to ensure product quality and yield in a