Senior Process Development Engineer: Scale-Up & Optimization

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybrid; ZAR 950,000 - 1,250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Relocation assistance

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Process Development Chemical Engineer to lead optimization and scale-up of chemical processes in Pietermaritzburg. You will evaluate new technologies, design scalable workflows, and collaborate with R&D, operations, and maintenance teams to ensure safe and efficient production.

The role emphasizes process simulation, safety compliance, and mentoring of junior engineers within a dynamic specialty chemicals environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in process development, optimization, or scale-up within the chemical industry.
• Experience with process simulation software (Aspen Plus, HYSYS).
• Experience in HAZOP studies and risk assessment methodologies.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Proficiency in technical report writing and presentation.
• Experience in the specialty chemicals sector is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and scale-up chemical processes from laboratory to pilot plant and commercial production.
• Conduct feasibility studies and techno-economic assessments for new process technologies.
• Optimize existing manufacturing processes to improve yield, reduce costs, and enhance safety.
• Troubleshoot process deviations and implement corrective actions.
• Develop and validate process control strategies.
• Collaborate with R&D, operations, and maintenance teams to ensure seamless process implementation.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, PFDs, and P&IDs.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance.

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

Job description

Placements24 seeks a Senior Process Development Chemical Engineer to lead optimization and scale-up of chemical processes in Pietermaritzburg. You will evaluate new technologies, design scalable workflows, and collaborate with R&D, operations, and maintenance teams to ensure safe and efficient production.

The role emphasizes process simulation, safety compliance, and mentoring of junior engineers within a dynamic specialty chemicals environment.