Senior Pharmaceutical Process Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Annual leave

Professional development

Advanced training

Cutting-edge technology

Collaborative environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Pharmaceutical Process Engineer for its Polokwane, Limpopo site. You will design, implement, and optimize manufacturing processes, ensuring GMP compliance and safe, efficient operations.

You will lead validation activities (IQ/OQ/PQ), manage capital projects, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with Production, QA, and Maintenance to drive continuous improvement and technology implementation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical, Mechanical, or related Engineering discipline.
• 6-8 years in process engineering within pharmaceutical/biopharmaceutical industry.
• Knowledge of GMP, validation principles, and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and optimization of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes and equipment.
• Oversee new technology integration, validation, and commissioning.
• Troubleshoot deviations and equipment failures; implement corrective actions.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Project management

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering

Master's in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally respected pharmaceutical manufacturer, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Pharmaceutical Process Engineer to join their state-of-the-art facility in Polokwane, Limpopo. This role is integral to optimizing and maintaining the efficiency, safety, and compliance of our client's pharmaceutical manufacturing processes. You will be responsible for designing, implementing, and troubleshooting complex manufacturing systems, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and ensuring adherence to stringent regulatory standards. The ideal candidate will possess a strong engineering background, extensive experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing environments, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. This is a vital position for ensuring the reliable production of high-quality medicines and offers a significant career development opportunity within a leading organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and optimization of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes and equipment.
• Oversee the implementation of new technologies and equipment, ensuring successful integration and validation.
• Troubleshoot process deviations and equipment failures, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.
• Develop and execute validation protocols (IQ, OQ, PQ) for manufacturing equipment and processes.
• Ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and other relevant regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA, SAHPRA).
• Conduct process hazard analyses and implement safety measures to ensure a safe working environment.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma.
• Manage capital projects related to process improvements and equipment upgrades.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Production, Quality Assurance, and Maintenance.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• A minimum of 6-8 years of experience in process engineering within the pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical industry.
• Proven experience with various pharmaceutical manufacturing processes (e.g., API synthesis, formulation, sterile filling).
• In-depth knowledge of GMP, validation principles, and regulatory requirements.
• Strong understanding of process control systems, automation, and instrumentation.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Proficiency in process simulation and modeling software is a plus.
• Strong leadership and communication abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a manufacturing environment in Polokwane.
• Commitment to safety and quality excellence.

Benefits

• A highly competitive annual salary of ZAR.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund.
• Generous annual leave and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional development and advanced training.
• Access to cutting-edge manufacturing technologies and facilities.
• A collaborative and safety-conscious work environment.
• Potential for significant career advancement.