Lead Chemical Engineer - Process Development

Placements24; Centurion; Hybrid; ZAR 2,000,000 - 3,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Health, retirement & wellness benefits

Flexible remote work setup

Access to R&D resources

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a visionary Lead Chemical Engineer specialized in Process Development to spearhead innovative chemical processes within a remote-first framework. You will guide concept design, pilot and commercialization, while leading a team of engineers to ensure safety, efficiency and economic viability.

The role requires a Ph.D. or Master’s in Chemical Engineering and 10+ years’ experience in process development, scale-up, and commercialization, with strong remote leadership and

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years in process development, scale-up and commercialization of chemical processes required.
• Proven leadership of technical teams and projects.
• Deep expertise in reaction engineering, separations, and process control.
• Proficiency with advanced process simulation tools and statistical analysis software.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D, development, and implementation of innovative chemical processes from ideation to pilot and commercial scale.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to a remote team of chemical engineers.
• Oversee design, simulation, and optimization of complex chemical systems focusing on safety, efficiency and economics.
• Manage project scopes, timelines, and budgets to meet milestones.
• Collaborate across R&D, manufacturing, and business development to align strategies.
• Champion adoption of new technologies to improve process performance and sustainability.

Skills

Leadership

Process development

Scale-up

Reaction engineering

Process simulation

Statistical analysis

Remote leadership

Education

PhD in Chemical Engineering

Master's in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

MATLAB

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a visionary Lead Chemical Engineer specializing in Process Development to spearhead critical initiatives within their fully remote operational framework. In this senior role, you will guide the conceptualization, design, and implementation of novel chemical processes and technologies, driving innovation and competitive advantage. You will lead a team of talented engineers, foster a culture of continuous improvement, and ensure seamless execution of complex projects from concept to commercialization, all within a remote-first paradigm. This is an outstanding opportunity for a seasoned leader to make a significant impact on our company's technological advancements and strategic direction.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the research, development, and implementation of innovative chemical processes and technologies from ideation through to pilot and commercial scale.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to a team of chemical engineers, fostering collaboration and professional growth in a remote environment.
• Oversee the design, simulation, and optimization of complex chemical systems, ensuring safety, efficiency, and economic viability.
• Develop and manage project scopes, timelines, and budgets, ensuring successful delivery of process development milestones.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across the organization, including R&D, manufacturing, and business development, to align process strategies with company objectives.
• Champion the adoption of new technologies and methodologies to enhance process performance and sustainability.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field.
• Extensive experience (10+ years) in process development , scale-up, and commercialization of chemical processes.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, including managing technical teams and projects.
• Deep expertise in chemical reaction engineering, separation technologies, and process control.
• Proficiency with advanced process simulation tools and statistical analysis software.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, problem-solving capabilities, and strong communication skills for effective remote leadership.

Benefits

• Highly competitive executive compensation package, including base salary, bonus, and stock options.
• Comprehensive health, retirement, and wellness benefits.
• Significant opportunities for strategic impact and career advancement.
• Flexible working arrangements and support for a productive remote work setup.
• Access to industry-leading research and development resources.
• A stimulating and collaborative culture focused on innovation and excellence.