Senior Chemical Engineer - Specialty Chemicals R&D

Placements24; Kimberley; Hybrid; CAD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, retirement plans

Professional development opportunities

Cutting-edge R&D labs

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Chemical Engineer to lead R&D for high-value specialty chemicals in a hybrid Canada-based role. You will design experiments, optimize synthesis, and develop scalable processes from lab to pilot plant.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD or MS in Chemical Engineering or Organic Chemistry with 8+ years in R&D or process development, and has strong analytical and collaboration skills for cross-disciplinary teams.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or Organic Chemistry.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in R&D, process development, or scale-up within the specialty chemicals industry.
• Extensive knowledge of organic synthesis, reaction mechanisms, and process chemistry.
• Proven experience in scaling up complex chemical processes.
• Proficiency with laboratory analytical techniques (e.g., NMR, GC-MS, HPLC).
• Experience with process simulation and modeling software is advantageous.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead research and development projects for new specialty chemical products and processes.
• Design and conduct laboratory experiments to synthesize and characterize novel compounds.
• Optimize reaction conditions, yields, and purity of chemical products.
• Develop scalable and cost-effective manufacturing processes for specialty chemicals.
• Collaborate closely with chemists, material scientists, and other engineers.
• Perform process hazard assessments and ensure safe laboratory and pilot plant operations.
• Scale-up processes from benchtop to pilot plant, addressing technical challenges.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and present findings to stakeholders.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and scientific advancements in specialty chemicals.
• Contribute to patent applications and technical publications.

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished leader in the development and production of specialty chemicals, is seeking a highly accomplished Senior Chemical Engineer to spearhead their research and development initiatives. This role, based in Kimberley , offers a flexible hybrid work arrangement, allowing for dedicated time in our advanced R&D labs as well as remote work for data analysis and project planning. You will be responsible for exploring novel chemical pathways, developing innovative products, and optimizing synthesis processes for high-value specialty chemicals. The ideal candidate possesses a strong scientific curiosity, exceptional problem-solving skills, and extensive experience in organic synthesis, process chemistry, and scale-up. This is a challenging and rewarding opportunity to shape the future of specialty chemical innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead research and development projects for new specialty chemical products and processes.
• Design and conduct laboratory experiments to synthesize and characterize novel compounds.
• Optimize reaction conditions, yields, and purity of chemical products.
• Develop scalable and cost-effective manufacturing processes for specialty chemicals.
• Collaborate closely with chemists, material scientists, and other engineers.
• Perform process hazard assessments and ensure safe laboratory and pilot plant operations.
• Scale-up processes from benchtop to pilot plant, addressing technical challenges.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and present findings to stakeholders.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and scientific advancements in specialty chemicals.
• Contribute to patent applications and technical publications.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or Organic Chemistry.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in R&D, process development, or scale-up within the specialty chemicals industry.
• Extensive knowledge of organic synthesis, reaction mechanisms, and process chemistry.
• Proven experience in scaling up complex chemical processes.
• Proficiency with laboratory analytical techniques (e.g., NMR, GC-MS, HPLC).
• Experience with process simulation and modeling software is advantageous.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage complex projects and work effectively in a hybrid research environment.
• A proactive and innovative mindset with a passion for scientific discovery.

Benefits

Our client offers an excellent salary, a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and retirement plans, and significant opportunities for professional development. You will work in a cutting-edge R&D environment, contributing to groundbreaking innovations in specialty chemicals in Kimberley . The hybrid work model supports flexibility and work-life balance. Join a team of passionate scientists and engineers dedicated to pushing the boundaries of chemical innovation.