Senior Chemical Engineer - Pharmaceutical Process Development

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Bonus potential

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Career growth

International exposure

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Chemical Engineer for its Process Development team in Sandton, Gauteng. You will develop robust, scalable manufacturing processes for APIs and drug products, translating lab discoveries into industrial-scale operations.

You will lead process optimization, design characterization experiments, and ensure regulatory compliance while collaborating with R&D, analytical, and manufacturing teams to drive innovation and efficiency.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in pharmaceutical process development.
• Extensive knowledge of cGMP regulations and industry best practices.
• Experience with process scale-up, validation, and technology transfer.
• Proficiency in process simulation software and statistical analysis tools.
• Strong communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and optimization of API synthesis and purification processes.
• Design and execute experiments for process characterization, scale-up, and validation.
• Develop process models and simulations to predict performance.
• Ensure all activities comply with cGMP and regulatory requirements (FDA, EMA).
• Troubleshoot technical challenges during process development and scale-up.
• Collaborate with R&D chemists, analytical scientists, and manufacturing staff.
• Prepare process development reports, validation protocols, and regulatory submissions.
• Evaluate new technologies to improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
• Manage external CMOs and assist with equipment qualification.
• Contribute to selection of manufacturing equipment.

Skills

Process development

Scale-up

Process simulation

Statistical analysis

cGMP knowledge

Cross-functional collaboration

Regulatory compliance

PAT experience

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading pharmaceutical company renowned for its innovative drug development and manufacturing, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Chemical Engineer to join their Process Development team in Sandton, Gauteng, ZA . This role is integral to advancing the company's pipeline by developing robust, scalable, and compliant manufacturing processes for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and drug products. You will apply your deep understanding of chemical engineering principles, process chemistry, and regulatory requirements to translate laboratory discoveries into efficient industrial-scale operations. This is an exceptional career opportunity for an experienced engineer passionate about improving human health through advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing in a highly regulated environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and optimization of chemical synthesis and purification processes for APIs.
• Design and execute experiments for process characterization, scale-up, and validation.
• Develop process models and simulations to predict and improve process performance.
• Ensure all process development activities comply with cGMP guidelines and regulatory requirements (FDA, EMA).
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges encountered during process development and scale-up.
• Collaborate closely with R&D chemists, analytical scientists, and manufacturing personnel.
• Author process development reports, validation protocols, and regulatory submission documents.
• Evaluate and implement new technologies to enhance process efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
• Manage external collaborations with contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs) as needed.
• Contribute to the selection and qualification of manufacturing equipment.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in pharmaceutical process development, with a strong focus on API manufacturing.
• Extensive knowledge of cGMP regulations and pharmaceutical industry best practices.
• Proven experience in process scale-up, validation, and technology transfer.
• Proficiency in process simulation software and statistical analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of reaction engineering, separation technologies, and crystallization.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional, matrixed organization.
• Experience with process analytical technology (PAT) is a plus.
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.

Benefits

• Our client offers an industry-leading compensation package, including a highly competitive salary, substantial bonus potential, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, retirement savings plan, generous paid time off, and significant opportunities for career growth and international exposure.

Join our innovative team in Sandton, Gauteng, ZA and contribute to life-changing medicines.