Senior Process Development Engineer

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Retirement plan

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Process Development Engineer to advance new chemical processes from concept to pilot plant in Mahikeng, North West. You will drive design of experiments, simulations, and techno-economic analyses, coordinating with R&D teams to ensure safe, scalable solutions.

The role demands hands-on laboratory and pilot-scale experience, with strong process safety knowledge and excellent communication for cross-functional collaboration in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering with a specialization in process development or reaction engineering.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in chemical process development and scale-up, ideally in specialty chemicals or fine chemicals.
• Proven expertise in chemical kinetics, thermodynamics, and reaction engineering.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and optimization of new chemical processes and synthesis routes.
• Design and execute laboratory and pilot-scale experiments to assess process feasibility and performance.
• Perform detailed process simulations and techno-economic analyses for new technologies.
• Manage the scale-up of processes, ensuring successful transition from lab to pilot plant and beyond.
• Analyze experimental data rigorously, interpret results, and author comprehensive technical reports.
• Collaborate closely with R&D scientists, analytical chemists, and plant engineers to achieve project goals.
• Ensure all process development activities adhere to strict safety, health, and environmental (HSE) standards.
• Identify and resolve technical challenges encountered during process development and scale-up.
• Contribute to the design and specification of pilot plant equipment and instrumentation.

Skills

Process development

Reaction engineering

Kinetics

Thermodynamics

Process simulation

Laboratory operations

HAZOP

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Chemical Engineering (MS/PhD)

Tools

Aspen Plus

ChemCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished innovator in chemical manufacturing, is seeking a Senior Process Development Engineer to join their cutting-edge research and development department located in Mahikeng, North West . This role is pivotal in driving the development and scale-up of new chemical processes, from initial concept through to pilot plant implementation. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in experimental design, process simulation, and a deep understanding of chemical reaction engineering. You will be instrumental in transforming novel chemical ideas into robust, scalable, and economically viable manufacturing processes. We are looking for a highly skilled and resourceful engineer who can lead complex development projects and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams in a dynamic R&D setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and optimization of new chemical processes and synthesis routes.
• Design and execute laboratory and pilot-scale experiments to assess process feasibility and performance.
• Perform detailed process simulations and techno-economic analyses for new technologies.
• Manage the scale-up of processes, ensuring successful transition from lab to pilot plant and beyond.
• Analyze experimental data rigorously, interpret results, and author comprehensive technical reports.
• Collaborate closely with R&D scientists, analytical chemists, and plant engineers to achieve project goals.
• Ensure all process development activities adhere to strict safety, health, and environmental (HSE) standards.
• Identify and resolve technical challenges encountered during process development and scale-up.
• Contribute to the design and specification of pilot plant equipment and instrumentation.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering with a specialization in process development or reaction engineering.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in chemical process development and scale-up, ideally within the specialty chemicals or fine chemicals industry.
• Proven expertise in chemical kinetics, thermodynamics, and reaction engineering.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, ChemCAD) and statistical analysis tools.
• Hands-on experience with laboratory and pilot plant operations.
• Strong understanding of HAZOP and process safety principles.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for cross-functional collaboration.
• Experience with hybrid work arrangements and potential site visits to Mahikeng, North West .

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including advanced health coverage, retirement plan options, and opportunities for continuous professional development. You will be part of an innovative organization based in Mahikeng, North West , contributing to exciting new product and process advancements. We encourage participation in industry conferences and provide resources for ongoing learning. This role offers a significant career advancement opportunity within a leading chemical company, focusing on exciting R&D challenges and impactful project leadership.