Senior Biopharma Process Development Engineer | Hybrid

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement planning

Performance-based bonuses

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Process Development Engineer in Bloemfontein, Free State, to optimize and scale up complex biopharmaceutical processes. The role combines on-site laboratory work with remote strategic planning and data analysis, collaborating across R&D, manufacturing, and quality teams.

You will lead process development from design through tech transfer, ensuring GMP-compliant, robust production of life-saving medicines while mentoring junior engineers and staying current with

Qualifications

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, or related field.
• At least 6 years of process development experience in pharma/biotech.
• Experience designing, scaling, and optimizing biopharmaceutical manufacturing (cell culture, fermentation, purification).
• Strong understanding of PAT and QbD principles.
• Experience with process modeling/simulation software is desirable.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and project management skills.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities.
• Familiarity with GMP and validation principles.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes (upstream and downstream).
• Lead technology transfer from lab to pilot plant and commercial scale.
• Troubleshoot deviations and implement corrective actions to improve robustness.
• Perform risk assessments and mitigation for process-related risks.
• Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, and quality teams to progress projects.

Skills

Process development

Problem solving

Project management

Cross-functional teamwork

Communication skills

GMP knowledge

Hybrid work adaptability

Regulatory awareness

Education

MSc or PhD in Chemical/Biochemical Eng

Tools

Process modeling software

PAT tools

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Process Development Engineer in Bloemfontein, Free State, to optimize and scale up complex biopharmaceutical processes. The role combines on-site laboratory work with remote strategic planning and data analysis, collaborating across R&D, manufacturing, and quality teams.

You will lead process development from design through tech transfer, ensuring GMP-compliant, robust production of life-saving medicines while mentoring junior engineers and staying current with