Process Development Technologist

Unilever · KwaZulu-Natal

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JOB PURPOSE

  • The Process Engineer is technically accountable for bridging Formulation and R&D Process Development to ensure products are scalable, robust, and factory ready. Operating within the Home Care R&D Process & Product Development teams, the role owns the translation of approved formulation intent into validated manufacturing processes through scale up, pilot trials, process specification, validation, and factory transfer.
  • The Process Engineer delivers assigned innovation and Value Improvement Project VIP workstreams, quality interventions, and capacity uplift through data driven, safe, and compliant execution, acting as the R&D technical authority for process development and scale up.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

R&D PROCESS DEVELOPMENT

  • Perform scale up studies to translate approved bench scale formulations into pilot and factory ready processes, defining process parameters, critical control points CCPs and critical quality attributes CQAs.
  • Plan and perform experimental production runs in pilot plants and feasibility factory trials; provide technical recommendations and go / no go input based on agreed key success criteria. Prepare trial reports.
  • Create, validate, and issue process specifications and validation documentation, ensuring alignment with approved formulation specifications and maintaining audit ready version control.
  • Diagnose and resolve process deviations using engineering principles including root cause analysis and corrective actions.
  • Ensure compliance with GMP, PHAROS, QMS, and R&D safety standards across all trial activities, ensuring data integrity and first time right reporting.
  • Provide CAPEX technical input and requirements for new or modified process equipment, partnering with Engineering through trials, commissioning, and qualification.

Factory & Supply Chain Interface

  • Support technical problem solving for manufacturing issues in local HC factories, from issue diagnosis through validated resolution and standardisation.
  • Support in defining and optimising process parameters and operating windows for critical operations in collaboration with factory to improve stability, quality, and capability.
  • Maintain process operating instructions and SOPs; ensure accurate updates in manufacturing systems e.g. RS Batch, FOXBORO, SCADA, DFOS, SPC in line with change control requirements.
  • Co lead process audits; conduct, analyse, and report on factory process audits and formulation related process risks, ensuring timely technical closure of findings.
  • Act as R&D technical support in HAZOPs, dHACCPs, TRA, MOC, and TPM activities relevant to processes.
  • Support installation, commissioning, and qualification of powder related equipment as the R&D technical representative, ensuring required process capability is achieved.

Required Skills & Knowledge Advanced / Expert

  • Process scale up from lab/bench scale into pilot and into factory manufacturing processes.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams and keep stakeholders informed. Communicate about new product commercialization and oversee factory processes to ensure consistent product quality.
  • Ability to interpret process data, define process windows, and validate scale up models.

Working Knowledge

  • Factory digital and control systems SCADA, SAP, FOXBORO, PAMCO, DFOS, SPC or equivalents.
  • R&D and pilot plant testing methodologies and data interpretation.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

  • BTech / BSc in Chemical Engineering or equivalent
  • 3-5 years Demonstrated experience with independent technical ownership of process development and/or scale‑up activities, or FMCG manufacturing
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Process Development Technologist at Unilever — KwaZulu-Natal · JobAlertsZA