Senior Chemical Process Development Engineer

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Chemical Process Development Engineer in Bloemfontein to translate lab innovations into scalable industrial processes. You will design, develop, and optimize chemical processes, collaborating with R&D chemists and pilot plant engineers to ensure safe, efficient scale-up.

The role requires a strong grounding in chemical engineering, hands-on problem solving, and experience with PHAs/HAZOP, process simulation, and technology transfer to manufacturing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• 7+ years of experience in chemical process development and scale-up.
• Experience with pilot plant operations and troubleshooting.
• Proficient in Aspen Plus or HYSYS for process simulation.
• Knowledge of PHAs/HAZOP studies.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Experience in fine chemicals or pharmaceutical intermediates is desirable.
• Legal eligibility to work in Bloemfontein, Free State.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop chemical processes from concept to pilot plant trials.
• Optimize existing processes for yield, safety, and cost.
• Perform process modeling and simulations to forecast performance.
• Oversee pilot plant operations and troubleshoot scale-up issues.
• Prepare P&IDs and equipment specifications for new processes.
• Collaborate with R&D, engineering, and manufacturing for tech transfer.
• Conduct PHAs and implement safety measures.
• Publish technical reports and present findings to management.

Skills

Process design

Scale-up expertise

Troubleshooting

Process simulation

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent chemical solutions provider, is actively seeking a Senior Chemical Process Development Engineer to join their dedicated research and development team in Bloemfontein, Free State. This role is crucial for translating laboratory innovations into scalable, efficient, and safe industrial processes.

You will be responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing chemical processes, working closely with R&D chemists and pilot plant engineers. The ideal candidate will possess a strong theoretical foundation in chemical engineering coupled with practical experience in process scale‑up and troubleshooting.

This position requires a hands‑on approach and a commitment to innovation within the chemical industry based in Bloemfontein.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop new chemical processes, from conceptualization through to pilot plant trials.
• Optimize existing chemical processes for improved yield, efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
• Conduct process modeling and simulation to predict performance and identify potential issues.
• Oversee pilot plant operations, troubleshoot issues, and analyze data to inform scale‑up decisions.
• Develop detailed process descriptions, P&IDs, and equipment specifications for new processes.
• Collaborate with R&D, engineering, and manufacturing teams to ensure successful technology transfer.
• Perform process hazard analyses (PHAs) and implement necessary safety measures.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and methodologies in chemical process development.
• Author technical reports and present findings to management and project teams.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in chemical process development and scale‑up.
• Demonstrated experience with pilot plant operations and troubleshooting.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS).
• Strong understanding of chemical reaction engineering, thermodynamics, and transport phenomena.
• Experience conducting Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs) or HAZOP studies.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
• Experience in the fine chemicals or pharmaceutical intermediates sector is desirable.
• Must be legally eligible to work in Bloemfontein, Free State.

Benefits

Our client provides a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, a retirement annuity, and opportunities for continuous professional development. The Bloemfontein facility is equipped with state‑of‑the‑art laboratories and pilot plant capabilities. Join a company that fosters a culture of innovation and offers a clear path for career progression within the chemical engineering field. Make a significant impact on the development of new chemical technologies.