Senior Bioprocess Engineer - Biologics Manufacturing

Placements24; Benoni; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Provident fund

Generous annual leave

Support for professional training

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Bioprocess Engineer in Benoni, Gauteng. You will design, optimize, and scale bioprocesses for biologics, including vaccines, using fermentation, cell culture, and downstream purification.

You will lead technology transfer and ensure GMP compliance while mentoring junior engineers in a collaborative, fast-growing setting. The role requires 5–7 years in biopharma process development/manufacturing and a strong foundation in biochemical engineering, process modeling,

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Doctorate in Biochemical/ Chemical Engineering or related field.
• 5–7 years of biopharmaceutical process development or manufacturing experience.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture or microbial fermentation.
• Downstream purification experience (chromatography, filtration).
• Strong GMP understanding and regulatory awareness.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead upstream and downstream bioprocess development for biologics.
• Optimize processes to improve yield, productivity and quality.
• Scale‑up from bench to pilot and commercial scales.
• Develop and execute validation protocols for equipment and operations.
• Troubleshoot deviations and implement CAPAs.
• Collaborate across R&D, manufacturing, QA/QC for tech transfer.
• Author/review batch records, SOPs, and validation reports.
• Mentor junior engineers and ensure GMP compliance.

Skills

Biochemical engineering

Process development

GMP compliance

Project management

Analytical problem solving

Leadership

Communication

Education

Master's degree or PhD in Biochemical/Chemical Engineering

Tools

Chromatography

Filtration

Process modeling

Statistical analysis

Technology transfer

Mammalian cell culture

Fermentation

Job description

About the Role Our client, a rapidly expanding biopharmaceutical company, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Bioprocess Engineer to join their manufacturing and development team in Benoni, Gauteng. This crucial role will focus on the design, optimization, scale-up, and operation of bioprocesses for the production of biologics, including therapeutic proteins and vaccines. You will work with cutting‑edge technologies in fermentation, cell culture, and downstream processing to ensure efficient, robust, and compliant manufacturing. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to the production of life‑saving therapies in a dynamic and growing sector, located in Benoni, Gauteng. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in biochemical engineering, process development, and GMP manufacturing environments, coupled with excellent problem‑solving and leadership skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead process development activities for upstream (cell culture/fermentation) and downstream (purification) bioprocessing of biologics.
• Optimize existing bioprocesses to improve yield, productivity, and product quality.
• Perform process scale‑up studies from bench to pilot and commercial scales.
• Develop and execute validation protocols for bioprocess equipment and unit operations.
• Troubleshoot process deviations and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs).
• Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, quality control, and quality assurance departments to ensure seamless technology transfer and process implementation.
• Author and review technical documents, including batch records, SOPs, process descriptions, and validation reports.
• Stay current with industry best practices, new technologies, and regulatory guidelines relevant to biopharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers and technicians, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and scientific rigor.
• Ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and other relevant regulatory requirements in Benoni, Gauteng.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Biochemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5-7 years of experience in biopharmaceutical process development and/or manufacturing.
• Demonstrated experience with mammalian cell culture or microbial fermentation processes.
• Hands‑on experience with downstream purification techniques (e.g., chromatography, filtration).
• Strong understanding of process modeling, simulation, and statistical analysis tools.
• Experience with process scale‑up, technology transfer, and GMP compliance.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong project management and organizational abilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments.
• Must be eligible to work in South Africa.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, annual performance bonuses, and opportunities for career advancement.
• Comprehensive medical insurance, a provident fund, and generous annual leave are provided.
• We are committed to employee development, offering funding for professional training, workshops, and attendance at key industry conferences.
• Employees in Benoni, Gauteng benefit from working with state‑of‑the‑art equipment and a collaborative team environment focused on innovation and quality.
• Our client provides a supportive workplace culture that values work‑life balance and invests in the long‑term career growth of its staff.