Specialty Chemicals Process Engineer

Placements24; Centurion; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses

Healthcare

Retirement plan

Relocation assistance

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 in Centurion, Gauteng seeks a Specialty Chemicals Process Engineer to design, develop, scale up and optimize processes for high-value chemical products. You will translate lab innovations into robust manufacturing, collaborate with R&D chemists and production teams, and drive operational excellence in a fast-paced R&D environment.

The role requires a Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering with 6+ years' experience, proficiency in Aspen Plus and ChemCAD, and a proven track record in

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering with a strong focus on process design and scale-up.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in process development and engineering, preferably in specialty chemicals.
• Extensive experience with process simulation and modeling software (Aspen Plus, ChemCAD).
• Deep understanding of reaction engineering, catalysis, crystallization, and separation techniques.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize chemical processes for synthesis and purification focusing on efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
• Conduct pilot plant studies and scale-up operations from lab to commercial production.
• Develop PFDs, PIDs, and operating procedures.
• Perform process modeling and simulations to predict performance and identify optimization opportunities.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges in process development and manufacturing.
• Collaborate with R&D to understand kinetics and scale-up parameters.
• Implement advanced process control for product quality and stability.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Evaluate new technologies and equipment for process enhancement.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing and manage multiple projects.

Skills

Process design

Scale-up

Process simulation

Data analysis

Education

Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

ChemCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in the development and manufacturing of innovative specialty chemicals, is seeking a talented Specialty Chemicals Process Engineer to join their team in Centurion, Gauteng . This role is focused on the design, development, scale-up, and optimization of processes for producing high-value chemical products. You will play a key part in translating laboratory innovations into robust, commercial-scale manufacturing processes. This position requires a deep understanding of chemical reactions, separation technologies, and process control, combined with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. The ideal candidate will be passionate about chemical engineering principles and driven to achieve operational excellence in a demanding R&D and production environment. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D chemists, project engineers, and production personnel, to bring new products to market successfully and improve existing ones. The opportunity in Centurion, Gauteng , offers significant exposure to cutting-edge chemical technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and optimize chemical processes for the synthesis and purification of specialty chemicals, focusing on efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
• Conduct pilot plant studies and scale-up operations, ensuring successful transition from lab to commercial production.
• Develop process flow diagrams (PFDs), piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), and detailed operating procedures.
• Perform rigorous process modeling and simulation to predict performance and identify optimization opportunities.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges encountered during process development and manufacturing.
• Collaborate closely with Research & Development teams to understand reaction kinetics and scale-up parameters.
• Implement advanced process control strategies to ensure consistent product quality and operational stability.
• Ensure all processes comply with relevant safety regulations, environmental standards, and quality management systems.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies and equipment for process enhancement.
• Provide technical support to the manufacturing team for ongoing production activities.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion within budget.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering with a strong focus on process design and scale-up.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in process development and engineering, preferably within the specialty chemicals sector.
• Extensive experience with process simulation and modeling software (e.g., Aspen Plus, ChemCAD).
• Deep understanding of reaction engineering, catalysis, crystallization, and separation techniques.
• Proven track record in scaling up complex chemical processes.
• Strong knowledge of process safety principles (HAZOP, LOPA) and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Proficiency in data analysis and statistical process control (SPC).
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and lead cross-functional technical teams.
• Experience with continuous processing technologies is a plus.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa.

Benefits

• Highly competitive base salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive healthcare, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous retirement contribution plan.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth, training, and international collaboration.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Relocation assistance provided for eligible candidates.
• Dynamic and innovative work environment in Centurion, Gauteng . Access to state-of-the-art laboratory and pilot plant facilities.