Lead Chemical Engineer - Remote Operations

Placements24; South Africa; Remote; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and bonus structure

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Learning and development platform with

Flexible working hours

Virtual team-building and networking

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Chemical Engineer to spearhead design and optimization of advanced chemical processes. This fully remote role offers flexibility while leveraging a central hub in Tembisa, Gauteng for coordination, mentoring, and safety oversight.

You will guide cross-functional teams, drive scalable process technologies, and ensure compliance with industry standards through expert modeling, design reviews, and PHAs.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• 8+ years in chemical process design, development and scale-up.
• Strong leadership in managing engineering projects.
• Expert in process simulation software and modeling.
• Deep understanding of reaction engineering, separations, and transport phenomena.
• Remote work capability with excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of complex chemical processes with scalability.
• Oversee process simulation, modeling, and analysis to predict performance.
• Develop comprehensive PFDs and P&IDs for projects.
• Conduct PHAs and implement robust safety protocols.
• Collaborate with R&D, engineering, and operations in a remote setting.
• Provide mentorship to junior engineers and staff.
• Troubleshoot process issues and drive continuous improvement.
• Manage project timelines and deliverables remotely.

Skills

Leadership experience

Process simulation

Chemical engineering principles

Remote collaboration

Education

Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen HYSYS

CHEMCAD

PFDs & P&IDs

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an exceptional Lead Chemical Engineer to spearhead critical process design and optimization initiatives. This is a fully remote position, offering unparalleled flexibility to talented engineers seeking to contribute their expertise from anywhere. The role is central to developing and refining advanced chemical processes that meet stringent industry standards and drive operational excellence. You will play a key role in conceptualizing, designing, and implementing new process technologies, ensuring they are scalable, efficient, and safe. As a Lead Chemical Engineer, you will provide expert technical guidance and leadership to project teams, fostering a collaborative and innovative remote work environment. Your contributions will be vital to the success of cutting-edge projects within the chemical sector, based out of our **Tembisa, Gauteng** operational hub, but executed remotely.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of complex chemical processes, ensuring scalability and economic viability.
• Oversee process simulation, modeling, and analysis to predict performance and identify optimization opportunities.
• Develop comprehensive PFDs (Process Flow Diagrams) and P&IDs (Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams).
• Conduct rigorous process hazard assessments (PHAs) and implement robust safety protocols.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including R&D, engineering, and operations, in a remote setting.
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to junior engineers and technical staff.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex process issues, driving continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage project timelines and deliverables, ensuring successful execution of process engineering projects.
• Stay updated on emerging technologies and best practices in chemical engineering for remote application.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in chemical process design, development, and scale-up.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in managing engineering projects and teams.
• Expert proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen HYSYS, CHEMCAD) and advanced modeling techniques.
• Deep understanding of chemical engineering principles, including reaction engineering, separations, and transport phenomena.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects remotely, with excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Familiarity with relevant industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a distributed team.

Benefits

• This remote position offers a highly competitive salary and bonus structure.
• Employees receive comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Access to a robust learning and development platform, including online courses and virtual workshops, is provided.
• The company actively supports work-life balance, with flexible working hours.
• Employees are encouraged to participate in virtual team-building activities and professional networking events.
• Opportunities for significant career growth and leadership within a forward-thinking organization are a key benefit of this role, remotely serving our **Tembisa, Gauteng** interests.