Senior Process Development Engineer
About the Role:
Our client, a renowned manufacturer of specialty chemicals, is seeking a Senior Process Development Engineer to contribute to their innovative product development initiatives in Welkom, Free State. This role is crucial for scaling up new chemical processes from laboratory to pilot and commercial production. The Senior Process Development Engineer will focus on improving existing manufacturing methods and designing novel processes that meet stringent quality, safety, and environmental requirements. This position offers an excellent opportunity for a skilled chemical engineer to drive product innovation and process optimization within a well-established industrial setting in Welkom.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead the development and optimization of chemical processes for new and existing products.
Conduct pilot plant trials, analyze data, and troubleshoot scale-up challenges.
Develop process flow diagrams (PFDs) and piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs).
Perform process simulations and modeling to predict performance and identify areas for improvement.
Ensure processes are designed for safety, operability, and cost-effectiveness.
Collaborate with Research and Development, Production, and Quality Assurance teams.
Author and review technical reports, process descriptions, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Evaluate and recommend new equipment and technologies for process enhancement.
Provide technical support during the commissioning and start-up phases of new processes.
Requirements:
B.Sc. or M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering.
Minimum of 7 years of experience in process development, scale-up, and optimization within the chemical industry.
Proven experience in pilot plant operations and troubleshooting.
Strong understanding of chemical reaction kinetics, mass transfer, and thermodynamics.
Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen HYSYS, ChemCAD) and statistical analysis tools.
Knowledge of process safety principles and HAZOP studies.
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and technical writing skills.
Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.
Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) status is advantageous.
Benefits:
Our client offers a competitive salary package with annual performance incentives. Comprehensive medical coverage, including hospital plans and wellness programs, is provided. Employees also benefit from a substantial company contribution to a retirement fund. Opportunities for professional development, including workshops and further education, are actively supported. This role offers a hybrid work arrangement, allowing for a balance between on-site collaboration and remote flexibility, situated in the heart of the Free State.