Senior Process Development Engineer

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Health benefits

Home office setup

Tech support

Travel to conferences

Learning culture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a visionary Senior Process Development Engineer to join our innovative team. This role is fully remote from anywhere in South Africa, focusing on developing and scaling up chemical processes from lab to commercial production.

You will design, validate, and optimize processes, collaborate with scientists and engineers, and contribute to safe and efficient manufacturing while driving technology transfer and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering with a specialization in process development.
• 8+ years of hands-on experience in process R&D and scale-up of chemical manufacturing processes.
• Proficiency with process simulation tools (e.g., Aspen Plus) and statistical analysis software.
• Deep understanding of reaction kinetics, mass transfer, and unit operations relevant to chemical synthesis.
• Exceptional problem-solving abilities and a passion for scientific inquiry and innovation.
• Proven experience in working effectively in a remote, collaborative team environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and optimization of novel chemical processes for new product introductions.
• Conduct rigorous experimental work in lab and pilot scales to validate process parameters and identify scale-up challenges.
• Develop comprehensive process models and simulations to predict performance and identify optimal operating conditions.
• Collaborate closely with research scientists and engineering teams to ensure successful technology transfer to manufacturing.
• Author detailed technical documentation, including process flow diagrams, mass and energy balances, and safety assessments.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and propose innovative solutions to enhance existing processes.

Skills

Chemical Eng PhD/MS

8+ years R&D experience

Process development

Aspen Plus

Process simulation

Reaction kinetics

Mass transfer

Remote collaboration

Data analysis

Education

Ph.D./MSc in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a visionary Senior Process Development Engineer to join their innovative team. This role is entirely remote, allowing you to contribute your expertise from any location in South Africa. You will be at the forefront of developing and scaling up new chemical processes from laboratory to commercial production. This position demands a creative and analytical mindset, focused on transforming conceptual ideas into viable, efficient, and safe manufacturing solutions. As a key member of our virtual R&D department, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our product portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and optimization of novel chemical processes for new product introductions.
• Conduct rigorous experimental work in lab and pilot scales to validate process parameters and identify scale-up challenges.
• Develop comprehensive process models and simulations to predict performance and identify optimal operating conditions.
• Collaborate closely with research scientists and engineering teams to ensure successful technology transfer to manufacturing.
• Author detailed technical documentation, including process flow diagrams, mass and energy balances, and safety assessments.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and propose innovative solutions to enhance existing processes.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering with a specialization in process development.
• 8+ years of hands-on experience in process R&D and scale-up of chemical manufacturing processes.
• Proficiency with process simulation tools (e.g., Aspen Plus) and statistical analysis software.
• Deep understanding of reaction kinetics, mass transfer, and unit operations relevant to chemical synthesis.
• Exceptional problem-solving abilities and a passion for scientific inquiry and innovation.
• Proven experience in working effectively in a remote, collaborative team environment.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and a significant annual bonus.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package.
• Home office setup allowance and ongoing technology support.
• Opportunities for international travel to attend key industry conferences.
• A culture that encourages innovation, scientific curiosity, and continuous learning.