Senior Pharmaceutical Process Engineer

Placements24; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Performance bonuses

Professional development

Advanced training

Industry conferences

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Pharmaceutical Process Engineer for our client in Pretoria, Gauteng. You will design, validate, and scale manufacturing processes to ensure safety, quality, and regulatory compliance, collaborating with R&D, QA and operations.

The role emphasizes process optimization, technology transfer, and leading cross-functional projects in a modern facility. A strong chemical/biomedical engineering background with 7+ years of pharma experience is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years in pharmaceutical/biopharmaceutical process engineering.
• Deep knowledge of granulation, tablet compression, sterile filling, lyophilization.
• Strong GMP, validation, and regulatory understanding.
• Experience with scale-up, process optimization, and technology transfer.
• Data-driven and analytical problem-solving with strong communication.
• Proven project management and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement new pharmaceutical processes meeting safety and quality standards.
• Optimize processes to improve yield, cut costs, and raise quality.
• Lead GMP-compliant process validation activities from protocol to report.
• Troubleshoot process issues, identify root causes, implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with equipment engineers and vendors to install new equipment.
• Create and maintain SOPs, batch records, and technical reports.
• Perform process hazard analyses and implement safety measures.
• Train and mentor junior engineers and production staff.
• Keep up with advances in pharma manufacturing technologies.
• Contribute to long-term manufacturing strategies and capital plans.

Skills

Analytical skills

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Process simulation software

Statistical analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Pharmaceutical Process Engineer to join their operations in Pretoria, Gauteng . This role is integral to optimizing and scaling up pharmaceutical manufacturing processes to ensure efficiency, quality, and compliance. The ideal candidate will possess a strong engineering background coupled with extensive knowledge of pharmaceutical production. You will be responsible for the design, implementation, and validation of new manufacturing processes and the continuous improvement of existing ones. This position offers the opportunity to work with advanced technologies and contribute significantly to the production of vital medicines. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D, Quality Assurance, and Operations, to achieve production goals. Join our client in Pretoria and play a key role in delivering high-quality pharmaceutical products.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement new pharmaceutical manufacturing processes, ensuring they meet safety, quality, and efficiency standards.
• Optimize existing manufacturing processes to improve yield, reduce costs, and enhance product quality.
• Lead process validation activities, including protocol development, execution, and reporting, in compliance with GMP.
• Troubleshoot and resolve process-related issues, identifying root causes and implementing effective corrective actions.
• Collaborate with equipment engineers and vendors to select, install, and commission new manufacturing equipment.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive process documentation, including SOPs, batch records, and technical reports.
• Conduct process hazard analyses and implement necessary safety measures.
• Train and mentor junior engineers and production personnel on process operations and best practices.
• Stay current with advancements in pharmaceutical manufacturing technologies and industry trends.
• Contribute to the development of long-term manufacturing strategies and capital investment plans.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in process engineering within the pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical industry.
• In-depth knowledge of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes (e.g., granulation, tablet compression, sterile filling, lyophilization).
• Strong understanding of GMP, validation principles, and regulatory requirements.
• Proven experience in process optimization, scale-up, and technology transfer.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a data-driven approach.
• Strong project management and organizational abilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments.
• Experience with process simulation software and statistical analysis tools is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and lead technical initiatives.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including health insurance, retirement contributions, and performance bonuses. Opportunities for professional development, including advanced training and participation in industry conferences, are provided. You will work in a modern facility with access to cutting-edge technology and a supportive team environment. Our client is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Make a significant contribution to the pharmaceutical industry from our base in Pretoria .