Principal Chemical Engineer - Industrial Scale-Up & Optimization

Placements24; Queenstown; Sur place; NZD 160 000 - 245 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Chemical Engineer to lead scale-up and optimization at the Queenstown facility. You will drive pilot-to-plant transitions, ensure safe and robust designs, and mentor a team of engineers.

The role requires the MSc/PhD in Chemical Engineering, a Pr.Eng designation, and 12+ years of industrial scale-up experience, with strong process modeling and software skills.

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Chemical Engineering required.
• Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng) designation essential.
• 12+ years in chemical process engineering, with scale-up experience.
• Expertise in process design, Aspen Plus, and advanced process control.

Responsabilités

• Lead scale-up from pilot to full industrial production.
• Optimize processes for yield, throughput, energy efficiency, and cost.
• Develop detailed engineering designs and equipment specifications.
• Conduct process simulations, hazard analyses (HAZOP/LOPA).
• Oversee implementation of new technologies and equipment.
• Mentor junior and mid-level engineers; act as technical lead.

Connaissances

Leadership

Mentoring

Process modeling

Problem solving

Formation

MSc or PhD in Chemical Engineering

Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng)

Outils

Aspen Plus

Advanced process control

Description du poste

About the Role

Our client, a respected name in the chemical manufacturing industry, is looking for a Principal Chemical Engineer to lead critical scale-up and optimization initiatives at their facility in Queenstown, Eastern Cape. This senior role demands extensive experience in taking chemical processes from pilot to full industrial scale, ensuring robust design, efficient operation, and unwavering safety standards. You will be a key technical advisor, driving innovation and mentoring a team of engineers. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in complex project management and a deep understanding of process dynamics and troubleshooting. This is a challenging and high-profile position within our client's strategic operations in Queenstown.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the scale-up of chemical processes from laboratory and pilot plant to full industrial production
• Optimize existing manufacturing processes for yield, throughput, energy efficiency, and cost reduction
• Develop detailed engineering designs, P&IDs, and equipment specifications for large-scale operations
• Conduct thorough process simulations, modeling, and hazard analyses (HAZOP, LOPA)
• Oversee the implementation of new process technologies and equipment
• Troubleshoot complex operational and technical challenges in a manufacturing environment
• Ensure strict adherence to safety, environmental, and quality management systems
• Mentor and develop junior and mid-level chemical engineers
• Act as a technical authority and provide expert advice to project teams and management
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives and best practices

Requirements

• MSc or PhD in Chemical Engineering
• A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in chemical process engineering, with significant experience in industrial scale-up and optimization
• Demonstrated success in managing complex chemical engineering projects from concept through to commissioning
• Expertise in process design, simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus), and advanced process control
• Deep understanding of chemical reaction engineering, thermodynamics, separation processes, and safety management
• Strong leadership, project management, and decision-making skills
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication capabilities
• Proven ability to mentor and lead technical teams
• Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng) designation is essential
• Experience in specialty chemicals or high-value intermediates manufacturing is highly preferred

Benefits

Our client provides a leading compensation package, including a competitive base salary, significant annual bonus, and comprehensive benefits such as medical aid, provident fund, and disability insurance. We offer excellent career progression pathways and support for professional development. This role is based at our key manufacturing facility in Queenstown, Eastern Cape.