Senior Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Engineer

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Performance-based bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Engineer to enhance production capabilities at our Richards Bay facility in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The role focuses on optimizing processes, implementing new technologies, and ensuring safe, compliant manufacturing of high-quality pharma products.

You will lead projects across automation, equipment integration, validation, and tech transfer, collaborating with QA, R&D, and Operations to ensure consistent product quality and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering, or related discipline.
• Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum 7 years in pharmaceutical manufacturing engineering with project leadership.
• Strong knowledge of GMP and pharmaceutical tech.
• Experience with sterile, oral solid dosage, or biologics processes.
• CAD proficiency and process simulation desirable.
• IQ/OQ/PQ validation and equipment qualification experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead process improvement projects and equipment integration within manufacturing.
• Develop and optimize processes to improve yield, reduce costs, and ensure GMP compliance.
• Troubleshoot complex manufacturing issues and implement CAPAs.
• Design, specify, and oversee installation and validation of new equipment.
• Deliver technical training to manufacturing personnel on new processes.
• Collaborate with QA, R&D, and Operations for tech transfer and validation.
• Conduct process hazard analyses and enforce safety measures.
• Maintain comprehensive process documentation and SOPs.
• Stay updated on emerging manufacturing technologies and trends.

Skills

GMP knowledge

Process automation

Project management

Problem solving

CAD software

Process validation

Equipment qualification

Safety standards

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering

Master's degree is a plus

Tools

Process simulation tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished leader in pharmaceutical manufacturing, is actively searching for a highly skilled Senior Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Engineer to enhance their production capabilities in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA. This critical role will focus on optimizing existing manufacturing processes, implementing new technologies, and ensuring the efficient, safe, and compliant production of high-quality pharmaceutical products. The ideal candidate will possess a strong engineering background coupled with extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry. This position requires full-time dedication on-site, working within our advanced manufacturing facility. You will be a key contributor to our operational excellence, driving innovation and ensuring our products meet the highest standards of quality and efficacy.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and execute projects related to process improvement, automation, and new equipment integration within the manufacturing environment.
• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes to enhance yield, reduce costs, and improve product quality, ensuring compliance with GMP.
• Troubleshoot complex manufacturing issues, identify root causes, and implement effective corrective and preventive actions.
• Design, specify, and oversee the installation and validation of new manufacturing equipment and systems.
• Develop and deliver technical training to manufacturing personnel on new processes, equipment, and best practices.
• Collaborate with Quality Assurance, Research & Development, and Operations teams to ensure seamless technology transfer and process validation.
• Conduct process hazard analyses and implement safety measures to ensure a safe working environment.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation, including process flow diagrams, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and validation reports.
• Stay current with emerging manufacturing technologies and industry trends, recommending adoption where beneficial.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• A Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing engineering, with a proven track record of leading complex projects.
• In-depth knowledge of GMP regulations and their application in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Extensive experience with various pharmaceutical manufacturing technologies (e.g., sterile manufacturing, oral solid dosage, biologics processing).
• Strong understanding of process automation, control systems, and industrial safety standards.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and project management skills.
• Proficiency in CAD software and process simulation tools is desirable.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments.
• Demonstrated experience in process validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) and equipment qualification.
• Willingness to commit to a full-time, on-site role in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary commensurate with experience, a comprehensive health insurance plan, retirement contributions, and performance-based bonuses.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development are abundant, including advanced training and participation in significant industry projects.
• This on-site position in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA, offers a chance to work with state-of-the-art technology in a challenging and dynamic manufacturing setting.
• We provide a supportive work environment and a commitment to employee well-being.