Remote Principal Chemical Process Engineer

Placements24; Queenstown; Hybrid; NZD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive level salary

Bonus structure

Global health coverage

Life and disability insurance

Retirement plan with company/ employer

Training and conferences

Opportunity to publish research

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Remote Principal Chemical Process Engineer to lead complex chemical process design, optimization, and troubleshooting from anywhere in the world.

The role requires 12+ years in chemical process engineering, Ph.D./Master's in the field, and world-class modeling skills (Aspen Plus, HYSYS, CFX). You will mentor engineers, drive safety and efficiency improvements, and influence technical standards across the organization.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master’s in Chemical Engineering from a top-tier institution.
• 12+ years of progressive experience in chemical process engineering.
• Expertise with process simulation software (Aspen Plus, HYSYS, CFX).
• Strong leadership and remote-working capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert leadership on design, scale-up, and optimization projects.
• Develop and validate advanced process models and simulations.
• Lead PHAs and implement safety strategies for processes.
• Mentor junior and senior engineers.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and external consultants.
• Present high-level technical reports to senior management.

Skills

Leadership

Remote work communication

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Education

Ph.D. or Master’s in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

CFX

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in sustainable energy solutions, is seeking an exceptional Remote Principal Chemical Process Engineer to spearhead critical projects. This is a fully remote position, offering unparalleled flexibility for highly experienced engineers to contribute to our mission from anywhere. The Principal Chemical Process Engineer will be responsible for providing expert technical leadership in the design, optimization, and troubleshooting of complex chemical processes. This role demands deep technical expertise, strategic thinking, and the ability to influence project direction and technical standards across the organization. The successful candidate will play a key role in driving innovation and ensuring the highest levels of efficiency and safety in our chemical operations, leveraging advanced modeling and simulation techniques.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical leadership and guidance on complex chemical process design, scale-up, and optimization projects.
• Develop and validate advanced process models and simulations to predict performance and identify optimal operating conditions.
• Lead Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs) and implement robust safety strategies for new and existing processes.
• Troubleshoot and resolve challenging technical issues in chemical manufacturing operations.
• Mentor and guide junior and senior engineers, fostering technical excellence within the team.
• Develop and implement innovative solutions to improve process efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance sustainability.
• Stay abreast of cutting-edge technologies and industry best practices, recommending their adoption.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including R&D, operations, project management, and external consultants.
• Contribute to the development of company standards, procedures, and best practices in chemical engineering.
• Prepare and present high-level technical reports and recommendations to senior management.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering from a top-tier institution.
• A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in chemical process engineering, with a significant focus on complex design, optimization, and troubleshooting.
• World-class expertise in process simulation and modeling software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS, CFX).
• Deep understanding of reaction engineering, thermodynamics, transport phenomena, and process control.
• Proven track record of leading major engineering projects and delivering significant technical improvements.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Outstanding communication, interpersonal, and leadership abilities, particularly in a remote setting.
• Experience with advanced process control (APC) and data analytics is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop technical talent.
• Must be legally eligible to work remotely and in coordination with South African operations.

Benefits

This fully remote role offers a highly competitive executive-level salary and bonus structure. Our client provides a premium benefits package, including comprehensive global health coverage, generous life and disability insurance, and an attractive retirement savings plan with significant company contributions. We support continuous professional growth through access to industry-leading training, conferences, and opportunities to publish research. This position offers the ultimate in work flexibility, allowing you to work from your preferred location while making a substantial impact on our organization's technical direction and success.