Senior Process Development Engineer - Chemical Manufacturing

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Career development opportunities

Performance bonuses

Relocation assistance may be available

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Process Development Engineer to join our client’s manufacturing team in Mahikeng, North West. You will design, optimize, and scale chemical processes, manage pilot plant trials, and drive continuous improvement in yield, safety, and cost.

You will leverage Aspen Plus or HYSYS for process modelling, develop control strategies, and collaborate with R&D, production, and maintenance to transfer technology across lines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum 6 years of experience in process development, scale-up, or optimization.
• Strong proficiency in chemical engineering principles and unit operations.
• Experience with process simulation and modeling software.
• Hands-on experience with pilot plant operations and troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of process safety management (PSM) principles.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize chemical manufacturing processes for new and existing products.
• Conduct feasibility studies, pilot plant trials, and scale-up activities.
• Utilize process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS) to model and analyze process performance.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements to enhance yield, reduce costs, and minimize waste.
• Develop and implement process control strategies to ensure consistent product quality and operational safety.
• Troubleshoot process-related issues and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with R&D, production, and maintenance teams to ensure smooth technology transfer and operation.
• Prepare detailed process documentation, including P&IDs, mass and energy balances, and operational procedures.
• Stay current with new technologies and best practices in chemical process engineering.
• Ensure all process development activities comply with environmental, health, and safety regulations.

Skills

Process simulation

Pilot plant operations

PSM knowledge

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Effective communication

Decision making

On-site work ability

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Master's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading chemical manufacturing company, is seeking a Senior Process Development Engineer to join their team. This role is based in Mahikeng, North West . The successful candidate will be responsible for designing, optimizing, and scaling up chemical manufacturing processes. You will play a crucial role in improving process efficiency, product quality, and safety across various production lines. This position requires a strong understanding of chemical engineering principles, process simulation, and hands‑on experience in pilot plant operations. We are looking for a proactive and innovative engineer who can solve complex technical challenges and drive continuous improvement within the manufacturing environment in Mahikeng .

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize chemical manufacturing processes for new and existing products.
• Conduct feasibility studies, pilot plant trials, and scale‑up activities.
• Utilize process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS) to model and analyze process performance.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements to enhance yield, reduce costs, and minimize waste.
• Develop and implement process control strategies to ensure consistent product quality and operational safety.
• Troubleshoot process‑related issues and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with R&D, production, and maintenance teams to ensure smooth technology transfer and operation.
• Prepare detailed process documentation, including P&IDs, mass and energy balances, and operational procedures.
• Stay current with new technologies and best practices in chemical process engineering.
• Ensure all process development activities comply with environmental, health, and safety regulations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in process development, scale‑up, or optimization within the chemical manufacturing industry.
• Strong proficiency in chemical engineering principles and unit operations.
• Experience with process simulation and modeling software.
• Hands‑on experience with pilot plant operations and troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of process safety management (PSM) principles.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Must be willing to work on‑site in Mahikeng, North West .

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• Exposure to diverse chemical manufacturing processes.
• Generous annual leave and holiday schedule.
• A safe and collaborative work environment.
• Potential for performance‑related bonuses.
• Relocation assistance may be available.