Senior Process Development Engineer – Scale-Up & Innovation

Placements24; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement savings plan

Performance incentives

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Process Development Engineer for its client in the speciality chemicals sector, based in Tembisa, Gauteng. You will advance manufacturing processes from lab scale through pilot and full-scale production, focusing on safety, quality, and efficiency.

The role requires a Master of Engineering or Science in Chemical Engineering with at least 6 years of process development and scale-up experience, plus hands-on pilot plant work and proficiency in CHEMCAD or ASPEN PLUS.

Qualifications

• M.Eng. or M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 6 years of experience in process development, scale-up and manufacturing.
• Hands-on pilot plant operations experience and process troubleshooting.
• Proficiency with chemical process simulation tools (CHEMCAD, ASPEN PLUS).
• Strong analytical, safety‑mocethinking and cross‑functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize chemical manufacturing processes for new and existing speciality products.
• Scale up processes from laboratory and pilot to commercial production, managing technical aspects.
• Conduct pilot plant trials, collect data, and refine process parameters.
• Create PFDs, P&IDs and equipment datasheets for new installations or modifications.
• Perform process safety reviews and ensure compliance with HSE regulations.
• Collaborate with R&D and production teams for technology transfer.
• Troubleshoot deviations and implement solutions to maintain quality and stability.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and waste reduction.
• Prepare technical reports, operating procedures and training materials.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing and engineering departments.

Skills

Process development

Scale-up

Data analysis

Teamwork

Communication

Problem solving

Hands-on

Education

M.Eng./M.Sc. Chemical Engineering

Tools

CHEMCAD

ASPEN PLUS

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Process Development Engineer for its client in the speciality chemicals sector, based in Tembisa, Gauteng. You will advance manufacturing processes from lab scale through pilot and full-scale production, focusing on safety, quality, and efficiency.

The role requires a Master of Engineering or Science in Chemical Engineering with at least 6 years of process development and scale-up experience, plus hands-on pilot plant work and proficiency in CHEMCAD or ASPEN PLUS.