Remote Chemical Process Engineer - R&D Support

Placements24; Kimberley; Hybrid; CAD 83,000 - 165,000; Part time

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Remote Chemical Process Engineer to develop and optimize novel material processes from lab to pilot scale. You will model performance with Aspen Plus and CHEMCAD, perform techno-economic assessments, and implement PHAs and safety documentation.

The role emphasizes independent work in a fully remote setting, with opportunities to contribute to scale-up strategies and knowledge transfer across teams worldwide.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering.
• 5+ years of experience in chemical process development, R&D support, or process design.
• Advanced proficiency in process simulation software and kinetic modeling.
• Strong understanding of reaction engineering, thermodynamics, and separation processes.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting PHAs and developing process safety documentation.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a remote, collaborative environment.
• Proven self-starter with strong time management and organizational skills.
• Must be legally eligible to work as a contractor in South Africa.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize chemical process designs for novel materials and reactions, from lab to pilot scale.
• Utilize advanced process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, CHEMCAD) to model and analyze process performance.
• Conduct techno-economic assessments and feasibility studies for new process concepts.
• Perform Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs) and develop safety protocols for new chemical processes.
• Design experimental programs for pilot plant trials and interpret experimental data.
• Collaborate virtually with R&D scientists, engineers, and project managers across different time zones.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, design documentation, and presentation materials.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and methodologies in chemical process development.
• Contribute to the scale-up strategy and technical transfer of processes to manufacturing.

Skills

Process simulation

Kinetic modeling

Process safety

Remote collaboration

Analytical problem solving

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

CHEMCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a cutting-edge research and development firm specializing in novel materials, is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Remote Chemical Process Engineer . This is a unique opportunity to work from anywhere, contributing your expertise to groundbreaking projects focused on developing and scaling new chemical processes. You will collaborate closely with our R&D teams to translate laboratory discoveries into viable pilot-scale operations, focusing on process optimization, safety assessments, and material characterization. The ideal candidate possesses a strong foundation in chemical engineering principles, extensive experience with process simulation and modeling, and a proven ability to work autonomously in a remote setting. This role is fully remote, offering unparalleled flexibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize chemical process designs for novel materials and reactions, from lab to pilot scale.


• Utilize advanced process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, CHEMCAD) to model and analyze process performance.


• Conduct techno-economic assessments and feasibility studies for new process concepts.


• Perform Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs) and develop safety protocols for new chemical processes.


• Design experimental programs for pilot plant trials and interpret experimental data.


• Collaborate virtually with R&D scientists, engineers, and project managers across different time zones.


• Prepare detailed technical reports, design documentation, and presentation materials.


• Stay current with emerging technologies and methodologies in chemical process development.


• Contribute to the scale-up strategy and technical transfer of processes to manufacturing.

Requirements

• A Master's degree or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering.


• A minimum of 5 years of experience in chemical process development, R&D support, or process design, preferably in specialty chemicals or materials science.


• Advanced proficiency in process simulation software and experience with kinetic modeling.


• Strong understanding of reaction engineering, thermodynamics, and separation processes.


• Demonstrated experience in conducting PHAs and developing process safety documentation.


• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.


• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a remote, collaborative environment.


• Proven self-starter with strong time management and organizational skills.


• Must be legally eligible to work as a contractor in South Africa.

Benefits

This contractor role offers a competitive daily or hourly rate, commensurate with experience. While specific employee benefits do not apply, the primary advantage is the fully remote work arrangement, providing significant flexibility and autonomy. You will have the opportunity to work on exciting, cutting-edge R&D projects and gain exposure to novel technologies. Our client supports professional development through access to online learning resources and virtual conferences. This position is ideal for an experienced engineer seeking a flexible, project-based engagement with significant impact.