Senior Process Chemist - Scale-Up & Optimization

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Health benefits

Retirement contributions

Bonuses based on performance

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24, a dynamic chemical manufacturing company in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, is seeking a Senior Process Chemist. You will lead scale-up from lab to pilot and manufacturing, optimize processes, and troubleshoot production issues to ensure safe, cost-effective operations.

The role requires a PhD or MSc in Organic Chemistry or Chemical Engineering with 6+ years of experience in process chemistry, strong knowledge of organic synthesis, and hands-on experience in pilot plant and manufacturing

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Organic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 6 years of progressive experience in process chemistry, with scale-up and optimization.
• Hands-on experience in laboratory, pilot plant, and manufacturing settings.
• Strong knowledge of organic synthesis, reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and unit operations.
• Experience with process safety assessment and risk management.
• Experience with analytical techniques for in-process control and product characterization.
• Strong problem-solving and collaborative skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Ability to lead projects and cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and optimization of chemical synthesis routes for scale-up to pilot and manufacturing quantities.
• Design and execute experiments to evaluate process parameters, identify critical control points, and improve yields and purity.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing process issues, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions.
• Conduct process hazard analyses (PHAs) and implement safety improvements to ensure safe operations.
• Develop and implement process validation strategies and documentation.
• Collaborate with R&D, engineering, and manufacturing teams to ensure seamless process transfer.
• Author and review batch records, technical reports, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Stay abreast of new technologies and methodologies in process chemistry and chemical engineering.
• Mentor junior chemists and engineers, providing technical expertise and guidance.

Skills

Process chemistry

Scale-up

Troubleshooting

Pilot plant experience

Analytical techniques

Safety awareness

Communication

Education

Advanced degree in Organic Chemistry / Chemical Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic chemical manufacturing company, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Process Chemist to join their team in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. This role is critical for the successful scale-up, optimization, and troubleshooting of chemical processes from laboratory to commercial production. You will be responsible for ensuring efficient, safe, and cost-effective manufacturing operations. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in organic synthesis, process chemistry, chemical engineering principles, and hands‑on experience in pilot plant and manufacturing environments. This position offers a significant opportunity to impact product development and manufacturing efficiency within a growing organization dedicated to innovation and operational excellence. The role requires a dedicated professional to ensure smooth and reliable production workflows.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and optimization of chemical synthesis routes for scale-up to pilot and manufacturing quantities.
• Design and execute experiments to evaluate process parameters, identify critical control points, and improve yields and purity.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing process issues, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions.
• Conduct process hazard analyses (PHAs) and implement safety improvements to ensure safe operations.
• Develop and implement process validation strategies and documentation.
• Collaborate with R&D, engineering, and manufacturing teams to ensure seamless process transfer.
• Author and review batch records, technical reports, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Stay abreast of new technologies and methodologies in process chemistry and chemical engineering.
• Mentor junior chemists and engineers, providing technical expertise and guidance.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Organic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in process chemistry, with a strong emphasis on scale-up and optimization.
• Extensive hands‑on experience in laboratory, pilot plant, and manufacturing settings.
• Deep understanding of organic synthesis, reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and unit operations.
• Proficiency in process safety assessment and risk management.
• Experience with analytical techniques used for in-process control and product characterization.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and a systematic approach to process development and improvement.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex technical information effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects and work collaboratively within cross‑functional teams.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, comprehensive health benefits, retirement contributions, and potential for annual bonuses based on performance.
• Professional development opportunities, including training, workshops, and conference attendance, are actively supported.
• This role is based at our modern production facility in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, offering a challenging and rewarding work environment.
• We foster a culture of safety, innovation, and continuous improvement, providing excellent prospects for career advancement.