Senior Process Development Engineer

Placements24; Klerksdorp; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,350,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Professional development

Hybrid work

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Senior Process Development Engineer for its Klerksdorp operations. You will lead bench-to-pilot scale development, optimize processes and ensure safe scale-up to production.

The role involves modeling, simulation, and collaboration with R&D and production teams to transfer technology efficiently. A hybrid work arrangement balances remote analysis with on-site trials.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering with an R&D focus.
• 5+ years in process development, scale-up and optimization.
• Proficiency in process simulation software and statistics.
• Experience with pilot plant operations and equipment design.
• Strong understanding of process safety principles.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and optimization of novel chemical processes from bench to pilot scale.
• Design and execute pilot plant trials; analyze data and propose changes.
• Develop models and simulations to predict performance and scale-up issues.
• Collaborate with R&D, production and engineering for technology transfer.
• Ensure processes meet safety, environmental and economic targets.
• Prepare detailed technical reports and documentation.

Skills

Process development

Scale-up

Pilot plant operations

Chemical reaction engineering

Statistical analysis

Process simulation

Education

Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a seasoned Senior Process Development Engineer to drive innovation and improvement for their operations in Klerksdorp . This role focuses on the research, development, and optimization of new and existing chemical processes. You will play a pivotal role in scaling up laboratory innovations to pilot and eventually full-scale production, ensuring feasibility, efficiency, and safety. This hybrid position allows for a blend of focused remote work on analysis and design, combined with essential on-site collaboration in Klerksdorp for trials and team interaction, fostering a dynamic approach to process innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and optimization of novel chemical processes from bench-scale to commercial production.
• Design and execute pilot plant trials, analyze results, and recommend process modifications.
• Develop process models and simulations to predict performance and identify scale-up challenges.
• Collaborate closely with R&D, production, and engineering teams to ensure successful technology transfer.
• Ensure all developed processes meet stringent safety, environmental, and economic targets.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, process documentation, and patent applications where appropriate.

Requirements

• Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering or a related field with a strong R&D focus.
• 5+ years of experience in process development, scale-up, and optimization.
• Proficiency in process simulation software and statistical analysis techniques.
• Experience with pilot plant operations and equipment design.
• Strong understanding of chemical reaction engineering and process safety principles.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work effectively in a hybrid team environment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health, retirement, and insurance benefits.
• Generous allowance for professional development and conferences.
• Flexible hybrid work arrangement balancing remote and on-site needs.
• Opportunities to work on cutting-edge chemical technologies and influence product development.