Senior Process Engineer - Fermentation

Placements24; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Retirement savings plan

Paid time off

Professional development

State-of-the-art facilities

Dynamic collaborative culture

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Process Engineer to lead design, scale-up and optimization of industrial fermentation in Sandton, Gauteng. The role requires directing process models, deviations troubleshooting and cross-functional collaboration to ensure product quality and yield.

Ideal candidates hold an advanced degree in biochemical/chemical engineering with 8+ years in fermentation, and possess strong project management and mentoring abilities in a regulated environment.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Biochemical or Chemical Engineering.
• 8+ years of progressive process engineering experience in biotech/pharma, with fermentation focus.
• Proven expertise in microbial fermentation, scale-up, and process optimization.
• Knowledge of bioreactor design, operation, and controls.
• Experience with downstream processing of fermentation products.
• Familiarity with cGMP and validation principles.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development and scale-up of industrial fermentation processes.
• Optimize fermentation parameters for maximum yield and efficiency.
• Develop and validate process models for fermentation and downstream processing.
• Troubleshoot deviations and implement corrective actions.
• Oversee operation and maintenance of fermentation equipment and bioreactors.
• Collaborate with R&D, upstream and downstream teams for integration.
• Ensure compliance with cGMP and other regulatory requirements.
• Prepare technical reports, batch records and process validation documents.
• Manage process improvement projects focusing on cost reduction and yield enhancement.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance on fermentation technology.

Skills

Fermentation engineering

Process optimization

cGMP knowledge

Troubleshooting

Project management

Mentoring

Communication

Education

Master's degree in Biochemical/Chemical Engineering

Ph.D. in Biochemical/Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent biotechnology firm specializing in fermentation-based products, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Process Engineer to join their operations team in Sandton, Gauteng . This role is crucial for optimizing and scaling up fermentation processes, ensuring efficiency, yield, and product quality. You will lead process design initiatives, troubleshoot complex operational challenges, and implement continuous improvement projects. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in biochemical engineering or chemical engineering with extensive experience in fermentation technology within a regulated environment. This position offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of biotechnological innovation in a stimulating and growth-oriented company.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and scale-up of industrial fermentation processes.
• Optimize fermentation parameters (e.g., media composition, temperature, pH, aeration) for maximum yield and efficiency.
• Develop and validate process models for fermentation and downstream processing.
• Troubleshoot process deviations and implement corrective actions to maintain product consistency.
• Oversee the operation and maintenance of fermentation equipment and bioreactors.
• Collaborate with R&D, upstream processing, and downstream teams to ensure seamless process integration.
• Ensure compliance with cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practices) and other regulatory requirements.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, batch records, and process validation documents.
• Manage process improvement projects, focusing on cost reduction and yield enhancement.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance on fermentation technology.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Biochemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in process engineering within the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industries, with a strong focus on fermentation.
• Proven expertise in microbial fermentation, scale-up, and process optimization.
• In-depth understanding of bioreactor design, operation, and associated control systems.
• Experience with downstream processing techniques relevant to fermentation products.
• Knowledge of cGMP regulations and validation principles.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.
• Experience with process simulation software is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive health insurance, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous contribution to a retirement savings plan.
• Significant paid time off and holiday allowances.
• Opportunities for professional development, including conferences and specialized training.
• Access to state-of-the‑art fermentation and biotechnology facilities.
• A dynamic and collaborative work culture focused on innovation.
• Career advancement opportunities within a growing industry leader.