Process Development Technologist
Unilever · KwaZulu-Natal
Stop applying one at a time.
JobAlertsZA auto-applies to South African jobs like this one for you, overnight. Upload your CV once — we do the applying.
Start free — we apply for you →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