Senior Process Development Engineer - Chemical Manufacturing

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Professional development opportunities

Modern labs and pilot plant facilities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Process Development Engineer to lead the design, optimization, and scale-up of chemical processes at our Richards Bay facility. You will work with R&D, operations and EHS to translate lab findings into robust production processes, using Aspen Plus or HYSYS for modelling and ensuring safe, compliant operation.

Applicants should have a strong background in chemical engineering, 6+ years in process development, and proven ability to manage projects and collaborate

Qualifications

• B.Eng. or B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in process development and engineering within the chemical manufacturing industry.
• Proven experience in process scale-up, optimization, and troubleshooting.
• Proficiency in process simulation software and P&ID development.
• Strong understanding of chemical reaction engineering, thermodynamics, and unit operations.
• Knowledge of process safety standards and risk assessment methodologies.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies is a plus.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Willingness to work on-site at Richards Bay facility.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize chemical manufacturing processes for new and existing products.
• Conduct pilot plant studies and scale-up activities to translate laboratory findings into efficient commercial processes.
• Utilize process simulation software to model and analyze process performance.
• Develop P&IDs, equipment specifications, and SOPs for new processes.
• Troubleshoot and resolve process-related issues to ensure optimal plant performance and product quality.
• Implement process safety management principles and conduct hazard analyses (HAZOP).
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful process implementation.
• Monitor KPIs and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Stay updated on industry best practices, technologies, and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Project management

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

B.Eng. or B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

P&ID development

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in specialty chemicals, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Process Development Engineer to join their innovative manufacturing operations in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal . This role is pivotal in optimizing and scaling up chemical processes to ensure efficient, safe, and sustainable production. You will be responsible for designing, implementing, and validating new process technologies, as well as improving existing ones. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in chemical engineering principles, process simulation, and hands-on experience in a chemical manufacturing environment. You will work closely with research and development teams, production staff, and quality assurance to ensure seamless integration of processes from lab scale to commercial production. This position offers a challenging and rewarding career opportunity within a dynamic industrial setting in Richards Bay , contributing to the development of essential chemical products.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize chemical manufacturing processes for new and existing products.
• Conduct pilot plant studies and scale-up activities to translate laboratory findings into efficient commercial processes.
• Utilize process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS) to model and analyze process performance.
• Develop P&IDs, equipment specifications, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for new processes.
• Troubleshoot and resolve process-related issues to ensure optimal plant performance and product quality.
• Implement process safety management (PSM) principles and conduct hazard analyses (HAZOP).
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D, operations, maintenance, and EHS, to ensure successful process implementation.
• Monitor key process performance indicators (KPIs) and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Stay updated on industry best practices, new technologies, and regulatory requirements in chemical process engineering.

Requirements

• B.Eng. or B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in process development and engineering within the chemical manufacturing industry.
• Proven experience in process scale-up, optimization, and troubleshooting.
• Proficiency in process simulation software and P&ID development.
• Strong understanding of chemical reaction engineering, thermodynamics, and unit operations.
• Knowledge of process safety standards and risk assessment methodologies.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies is a plus.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Willingness to work on-site at our facility in Richards Bay.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, including a performance-based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical aid, retirement fund contributions, and life insurance benefits are provided.
• Opportunities for professional development, including advanced training courses and industry certifications.
• Access to modern process development laboratories and pilot plant facilities.
• A collaborative and safety-focused work environment.
• Potential for career advancement within a growing global organization.
• Relocation assistance may be available for candidates relocating to the Richards Bay area.