Senior Process Development Engineer

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 invites applications for a Senior Process Development Engineer to join their R&D team in Vereeniging. You will lead the concept, design, and piloting of new chemical processes, guiding projects from bench scale to pilot plant testing to ensure scalable, efficient, and commercially viable outcomes.

The role requires a PhD or MSc in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry and 8+ years in process development, with a proven track record in commercialization, strong leadership, and expertise

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry with significant process development experience.
• 8+ years of experience in process development, scale-up, and pilot plant operations.
• Proven track record of successfully bringing new chemical processes to commercialization.
• Expertise in reaction engineering, process intensification, and separation science.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with proficiency in modeling and simulation software.
• Excellent leadership and project management capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of novel chemical processes, from bench-scale experimentation to pilot plant trials and scale-up validation.
• Design and execute experimental plans, analyze results, and develop robust process designs.
• Collaborate closely with R&D scientists, chemists, and engineers to translate laboratory findings into viable manufacturing processes.
• Perform process simulations, economic evaluations, and risk assessments for new process technologies.
• Develop and optimize reaction conditions, separation techniques, and purification methods.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, documentation, and presentations for project stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Process development

Problem solving

Modeling & simulation

Education

PhD or Master’s in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry

Tools

Process simulation software

Modeling software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly accomplished Senior Process Development Engineer to join their innovative research and development team based in Vereeniging . This role is critical for the conceptualization, design, and piloting of new chemical processes and products. You will lead projects from laboratory scale through to pilot plant testing, ensuring processes are scalable, efficient, and commercially viable. This is a unique opportunity to drive innovation in chemical manufacturing within the Gauteng region, working at the forefront of new technology and contributing to the company's growth and market leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of novel chemical processes, from bench-scale experimentation to pilot plant trials and scale-up validation.
• Design and execute experimental plans, analyze results, and develop robust process designs.
• Collaborate closely with R&D scientists, chemists, and engineers to translate laboratory findings into viable manufacturing processes.
• Perform process simulations, economic evaluations, and risk assessments for new process technologies.
• Develop and optimize reaction conditions, separation techniques, and purification methods.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, documentation, and presentations for project stakeholders.

Requirements

• PhD or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry with significant process development experience.
• 8+ years of experience in process development, scale-up, and pilot plant operations.
• Proven track record of successfully bringing new chemical processes to commercialization.
• Expertise in reaction engineering, process intensification, and separation science.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with proficiency in modeling and simulation software.
• Excellent leadership and project management capabilities.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and attractive bonus structure.
• Comprehensive benefits including advanced healthcare coverage and retirement planning.
• Significant opportunities for professional development and attending international conferences.
• A dynamic and collaborative R&D environment in Vereeniging focused on cutting-edge chemical innovation.
• Opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking product development and patents.