About the Role
Our client, a dynamic and growing specialty chemicals company, is seeking an experienced Remote Senior Chemical Process Engineer to drive critical scale-up initiatives. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere within South Africa. The role will focus on translating innovative laboratory-scale processes into robust, commercially viable manufacturing operations. You will be instrumental in the design, optimization, and implementation of processes for novel specialty chemical products. This is a unique opportunity for a highly skilled engineer to leverage their expertise in a remote setting, collaborating closely with R&D, manufacturing, and project management teams across different locations. You will be a key driver in bringing new chemical products to market.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the process development and scale-up of new specialty chemical manufacturing processes.
- Perform detailed process design, including PFDs, P&IDs, mass/energy balances, and equipment sizing.
- Conduct thorough techno-economic feasibility studies and risk assessments for new processes.
- Develop and execute pilot plant trials, analyzing data to optimize process parameters.
- Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical challenges during process scale-up and implementation.
- Collaborate virtually with R&D scientists, manufacturing engineers, and project teams.
- Ensure all process designs adhere to stringent safety, environmental, and quality standards.
- Prepare comprehensive technical reports, process documentation, and project proposals.
- Evaluate and recommend process technologies, equipment, and control strategies.
- Manage vendor interactions and technical reviews for critical process equipment.
- Stay abreast of industry trends and emerging technologies in specialty chemical manufacturing.
- Mentor and guide junior engineers in process development activities.
Requirements
- Master's or Ph.D. degree in Chemical Engineering.
- Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in process development, scale-up, and commercialization of chemical processes, preferably in specialty chemicals.
- Demonstrated success in taking processes from lab to pilot and commercial scale.
- Expertise in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, CHEMCAD) and statistical analysis tools.
- Strong understanding of chemical reaction engineering, separation processes, and process safety management.
- Proven ability to work autonomously and manage complex projects effectively in a remote environment.
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and presentation skills, with experience using virtual collaboration tools.
- Familiarity with cGMP standards is a plus.
- Must have a dedicated home office setup and reliable internet connectivity for this remote role.
Benefits
- Highly competitive salary and bonus structure.
- Remote work flexibility, allowing for a better work-life balance.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
- Generous paid time off and public holidays.
- Retirement savings plan with company contributions.
- Professional development budget for courses, conferences, and certifications.
- Allowance for home office equipment and/or co-working space.
- Opportunity to work on diverse and innovative specialty chemical projects.
- Direct impact on product commercialization and company growth.