Senior Process Development Engineer

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Professional development allowance

Hybrid work model

Advanced lab facilities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Process Development Engineer in Stellenbosch to drive development from bench to pilot and commercial scale. The role blends lab work with pilot-plant operations and strategic remote planning, enabling efficient transfer to manufacturing.

The position requires a Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, 6+ years in process development, and expertise in process simulation, DOE and statistical analysis. A hybrid work setup and access to advanced labs are provided.

Qualifications

• Requires 6+ years of experience in process development, scale-up and optimization.
• Expertise in process simulation, statistics and DOE design.
• Strong understanding of chemical reaction engineering and separation processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of new chemical processes from bench to pilot and commercial scale.
• Optimize existing processes to improve yield, purity and cost-effectiveness.
• Design and execute experimental plans, analyze results and provide clear recommendations.
• Develop process documentation including PFDs, P&IDs and operating procedures.
• Collaborate with R&D scientists and manufacturing teams for scale-up and transfer.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges during development and implementation.

Skills

Process simulation

DOE

Statistical analysis

Reaction engineering

Separation processes

Problem solving

Pilot plant operations

Technology transfer

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Process Development Engineer to join their innovative research and development division in Stellenbosch. This role is pivotal in advancing our product lines through the development and optimization of novel chemical processes. Working in a hybrid capacity, you will balance critical lab work and pilot-scale operations with strategic remote planning and analysis. You will be responsible for translating laboratory discoveries into commercially viable manufacturing processes, driving efficiency and quality. This position offers a dynamic environment for a proactive engineer passionate about pushing the boundaries of chemical process technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of new chemical processes from bench-scale to pilot and commercial scale.
• Optimize existing processes to improve yield, purity, and cost-effectiveness.
• Design and execute experimental plans, analyze results, and provide clear recommendations.
• Develop process documentation, including PFDs, P&IDs, and operating procedures.
• Collaborate with R&D scientists and manufacturing teams to ensure successful process scale-up and transfer.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges encountered during process development and implementation.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in process development, scale-up, and optimization.
• Expertise in process simulation, statistical analysis, and experimental design (DOE).
• Strong understanding of chemical reaction engineering and separation processes.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Experience with pilot plant operations and technology transfer is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Generous allowance for professional development and continuous learning.
• Hybrid work model promoting work-life balance.
• Access to advanced laboratory facilities and research equipment.
• Opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge chemical technologies.