Lead Chemical Engineer - Product Development

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Hybrid work

Career advancement

Cutting-edge projects

Supportive environment

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, seeks a Lead Chemical Engineer specializing in product development to drive concept-to-commercialization for new chemical products. The role combines on-site lab leadership with a hybrid work model, guiding a team of engineers and chemists through development challenges and scale-up activities.

You will oversee experiments, scale-up from lab to pilot to production, and develop analytical methods for product characterization, while collaborating with

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD degree in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry.
• 8+ years in chemical product development with leadership experience.
• Expertise in process scale-up, synthesis and formulation.
• Strong knowledge of analytical chemistry techniques (HPLC, GC-MS, NMR).
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent problem-solving, critical thinking and decision-making abilities.
• Effective communication and ability to present technical information.
• Experience with a hybrid work environment.
• Knowledge of IP and patent processes is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of chemical engineers and chemists in product development projects.
• Oversee the design and execution of experiments for new chemical product formulation and synthesis.
• Manage the scale-up of laboratory processes to pilot and commercial scale.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for product characterization and quality control.
• Collaborate with R&D, marketing, and manufacturing teams to ensure product viability and market fit.
• Conduct techno-economic assessments for new product development initiatives.
• Ensure all development activities comply with safety and regulatory standards.
• Prepare comprehensive technical documentation and presentations for stakeholders.
• Stay updated on emerging trends and technologies in chemical product development.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Strategic thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry

Tools

HPLC

GC-MS

NMR

Job description

About the Role

Our client seeks a highly experienced Lead Chemical Engineer specializing in Product Development for their facility in Stellenbosch, Western Cape . This role adopts a hybrid working model, combining the benefits of remote work with essential on-site engagement for laboratory work, team meetings, and project oversight. You will be at the forefront of developing innovative new chemical products, from concept through to commercialization. This position requires a deep understanding of synthesis, formulation, process scale-up, and analytical techniques. You will lead a team of engineers and chemists, guiding them through complex development challenges and ensuring project success. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with a proven track record in chemical product innovation and a passion for bringing new technologies to market. This is a key leadership role with significant impact on the company's future product portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of chemical engineers and chemists in product development projects.
• Oversee the design and execution of experiments for new chemical product formulation and synthesis.
• Manage the scale-up of laboratory processes to pilot and commercial scale.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for product characterization and quality control.
• Collaborate with R&D, marketing, and manufacturing teams to ensure product viability and market fit.
• Conduct techno-economic assessments for new product development initiatives.
• Ensure all development activities comply with safety and regulatory standards.
• Prepare comprehensive technical documentation and presentations for stakeholders.
• Stay updated on emerging trends and technologies in chemical product development.

Requirements

• Master's or PhD degree in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in chemical product development, including leadership roles.
• Proven experience in process scale-up, synthesis, and formulation.
• Strong understanding of analytical chemistry techniques (e.g., HPLC, GC-MS, NMR).
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making abilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with experience presenting technical information.
• Experience with a hybrid work environment.
• Knowledge of intellectual property and patent processes is advantageous.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Hybrid work arrangement promoting flexibility and collaboration.
• Significant opportunities for career advancement and leadership development.
• Chance to work on cutting-edge product innovation.
• Dynamic and supportive work environment.