Senior Pharmaceutical Process Engineer

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid annual leave

Professional development

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 in South Africa is seeking a Senior Pharmaceutical Process Engineer for our client’s facility in Rustenburg, North West. The role focuses on designing, scaling, and validating manufacturing processes in a GMP environment, bridging engineering with production, QA, and R&D.

You will lead process development, transfer, and optimization, supervise validation activities, and mentor junior engineers. A hands-on, collaborative approach and strong problem solving are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 7 years in pharmaceutical process engineering.
• Experience with scale-up, validation, and optimization.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.
• Lead process validation activities and create protocols and reports.
• Collaborate with R&D for technology transfer.
• Ensure GMP compliance across all processes.

Skills

Process design

Scale-up

GMP & regulatory

Process validation

Project management

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

PRO/II

CAD tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in pharmaceutical manufacturing, is seeking an experienced Senior Pharmaceutical Process Engineer for their facility in Rustenburg, North West . This vital role focuses on optimizing and scaling up pharmaceutical manufacturing processes, ensuring efficiency, quality, and regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in chemical engineering or a related discipline, coupled with extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry. You will be instrumental in designing, implementing, and validating new manufacturing processes, as well as troubleshooting and improving existing ones. This position requires a hands-on approach, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with production, quality assurance, and R&D teams. The role involves a hybrid work model, combining essential on-site process development and engineering activities with remote data analysis and project management, promoting a balanced approach to work. Join our client's innovative team in Rustenburg, North West and contribute to the production of life-saving medicines.

Key Responsibilities

Design, develop, and optimize pharmaceutical manufacturing processes, ensuring scalability and efficiency. Lead process validation activities, including the development and execution of validation protocols and reports. Troubleshoot process-related issues, identify root causes, and implement effective corrective actions. Collaborate with R&D to ensure smooth technology transfer of new products and processes into manufacturing. Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all manufacturing processes. Conduct process hazard analyses and implement safety measures. Identify opportunities for process improvement and cost reduction initiatives. Utilize process simulation and modeling tools to enhance process understanding and optimization. Stay current with industry trends, new technologies, and regulatory requirements in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Train and mentor junior engineers and production staff on process operations and best practices. Manage and oversee capital equipment projects related to process improvements and expansions. Ensure adherence to GMP and other relevant regulatory guidelines throughout all process engineering activities.

Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field. Minimum of 7 years of experience in pharmaceutical process engineering, with a strong focus on drug substance or drug product manufacturing. Proven experience in process scale-up, validation, and optimization. In-depth knowledge of GMP regulations and pharmaceutical manufacturing principles. Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, PRO/II) and CAD tools. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data. Excellent project management and organizational skills. Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments. Experience with various pharmaceutical unit operations (e.g., granulation, drying, sterile filling) is desirable. Knowledge of QbD (Quality by Design) principles is a plus. Must be able to work effectively in Rustenburg, North West .

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health insurance, a retirement savings plan, and paid annual leave. Professional development opportunities are abundant, including access to advanced training programs, industry conferences, and further education support. You will be part of a forward-thinking company that values innovation and employee growth. We provide a stimulating work environment with opportunities for career progression. Support for relocation may be available for highly qualified candidates. The company is committed to fostering a positive work-life balance for its employees.