Senior Pharmaceutical Process Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health insurance

Performance-based bonuses

Professional development opportunities

Relocation assistance

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 in Randburg, Gauteng, seeks a Senior Pharmaceutical Process Engineer to lead the design, optimization and validation of manufacturing processes for solid dosage and sterile products. The role blends lab scale development with scale-up to pilot and full production in a hybrid on-site/remote setup.

The ideal candidate holds an advanced chemical engineering degree (MEng or PhD) with 7+ years in pharmaceutical process engineering, solid dosage or aseptic manufacturing, plus strong GMP

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years in pharmaceutical process engineering, including solid dosage or sterile manufacturing.
• Knowledge of GMP, regulatory requirements (FDA/EMA) and validation practices.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize pharmaceutical manufacturing processes for efficiency and quality.
• Lead scale-up from lab to pilot plant to commercial production.
• Develop and execute IQ/OQ/PQ validation protocols and reports.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing process issues and equipment.
• Drive process improvement using Lean Six Sigma principles.
• Collaborate with R&D, QA, and Production for seamless transfer.
• Ensure designs comply with GMP, safety and environmental standards.
• Prepare process documentation including P&IDs and SOPs.
• Manage projects with budgeting, scheduling, and resources.
• Mentor junior engineers and guide operations teams.

Skills

Pharmaceutical process engineering

GMP/compliance

Process validation & scale-up

Project management

Lean Six Sigma

Leadership

Communication

Education

Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

CAD software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished leader in the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Pharmaceutical Process Engineer to join their innovative team in Randburg, Gauteng . This pivotal role focuses on the design, optimization, and implementation of manufacturing processes for a diverse range of pharmaceutical products. The ideal candidate will possess a strong engineering background, extensive knowledge of pharmaceutical production technologies, and a proven ability to drive efficiency and quality improvements. You will be involved in projects ranging from process scale-up and validation to troubleshooting and continuous improvement initiatives. This hybrid position allows for collaboration with cross-functional teams on-site while offering flexibility for project planning and analysis remotely. Join a company dedicated to advancing healthcare through state-of-the-art manufacturing and contribute to the development of life-saving medicines. This role requires a deep understanding of chemical engineering principles applied within a strictly regulated pharmaceutical environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize pharmaceutical manufacturing processes to enhance efficiency, yield, and product quality.
• Lead process scale-up activities from laboratory to pilot plant and commercial production.
• Develop and execute process validation protocols (IQ, OQ, PQ) and prepare validation reports.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to manufacturing processes and equipment.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and implement solutions using Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles.
• Collaborate with R&D, Quality Assurance, and Production departments to ensure seamless process transfer and implementation.
• Ensure all process designs and modifications comply with GMP, safety regulations, and environmental standards.
• Prepare technical documentation, including process flow diagrams, P&IDs, equipment specifications, and SOPs.
• Manage engineering projects, including scope definition, budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance to operational teams.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical process engineering, with a strong emphasis on solid dosage forms or sterile manufacturing.
• In-depth knowledge of pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment, technologies, and unit operations (e.g., granulation, tableting, coating, aseptic filling).
• Proven experience with process validation, scale-up, and technology transfer.
• Strong understanding of GMP, regulatory requirements (FDA, EMA), and industry best practices.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus) and CAD software is desirable.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong project management and leadership abilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for collaboration across departments.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, balancing on-site engineering tasks with remote project management and analysis in Randburg, Gauteng .

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary package of R .
• Comprehensive health insurance, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
• Performance-based bonuses and incentives.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development and further education.
• Relocation assistance may be available for exceptional candidates.
• Access to cutting-edge technology and R&D facilities.
• Paid time off, including vacation and public holidays.
• Employee assistance program.
• A challenging and rewarding career path in a growing industry.