Senior Pharmaceutical Production Engineer

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement savings

Paid time off

Career development opportunities

Wellness programs

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Pharmaceutical Production Engineer to lead and optimize pharmaceutical manufacturing processes in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. The role focuses on delivering compliant, high-quality products while driving efficiency and cost improvements.

The ideal candidate has a strong engineering background, extensive GMP experience, and proven leadership in pharma production environments. Hybrid on-site and planning/analysis support is offered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering required.
• Minimum 5 years in pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Experience with GMP, validation, and troubleshooting in GMP environments.
• Knowledge of pharmaceutical production equipment and technologies.
• Strong project management and leadership abilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee pharmaceutical manufacturing processes to meet targets and quality standards.
• Lead process optimization across bioreactors, filtration and formulation equipment.
• Develop and execute validation protocols for new equipment and processes.
• Troubleshoot production issues to minimize downtime and deviations.
• Ensure compliance with GMP and regulatory guidelines.
• Drive continuous improvement to reduce costs and enhance quality.
• Collaborate with QA, R&D and maintenance teams for seamless operations.
• Mentor junior engineers and operators; support budget planning and resource allocation.
• Maintain production records and prepare performance reports.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Process optimization

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent pharmaceutical manufacturer, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Pharmaceutical Production Engineer to join their operations team in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. This role is crucial for optimizing and managing pharmaceutical manufacturing processes to ensure efficiency, quality, and compliance with stringent regulatory standards. You will be responsible for overseeing production lines, implementing process improvements, and troubleshooting operational issues. This hybrid position allows for a balance between essential on-site supervision and remote planning/analysis, fostering effective project management and team collaboration. The ideal candidate will possess a strong engineering background, a deep understanding of pharmaceutical manufacturing technologies, and a passion for operational excellence. Your contributions will directly impact the successful and timely delivery of high-quality pharmaceutical products to patients. We are committed to fostering a challenging and rewarding environment for our engineering professionals.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage pharmaceutical manufacturing processes to meet production targets and quality standards.
• Implement and optimize production technologies, including bioreactors, filtration systems, and formulation equipment.
• Develop and execute validation protocols for new equipment and processes.
• Troubleshoot and resolve production-related issues, ensuring minimal downtime.
• Ensure adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and other relevant regulatory guidelines.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance process efficiency, reduce costs, and improve product quality.
• Collaborate with quality assurance, R&D, and maintenance teams to ensure seamless operations.
• Train and mentor junior production engineers and operators.
• Develop and manage production budgets and resource allocation.
• Maintain accurate production records and prepare performance reports.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Proven experience with process optimization, validation, and troubleshooting in a GMP environment.
• Strong knowledge of pharmaceutical production equipment and technologies.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements (e.g., SAHPRA, FDA, EMA).
• Excellent project management and analytical skills.
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid work model, balancing on‑site and remote responsibilities.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, performance-based incentives, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, retirement savings, and paid time off. Employees benefit from extensive opportunities for professional development and training, including specialized courses and certifications. This hybrid role allows for flexibility, combining essential on‑site presence in our modern facility in Stellenbosch, Western Cape with remote work capabilities for planning and analysis. We promote a collaborative and innovative work culture, offering clear pathways for career advancement within a leading pharmaceutical company. Additional perks include wellness programs and employee assistance support, ensuring a positive and sustainable work experience for all.