Lead Chemical Engineer - Remote Optimization Specialist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Home office stipend

Tech allowance

Flexible hours

Medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Chemical Engineer to spearhead remote process optimization across international sites, leveraging data analytics, ML, and digital twins.

You will lead remote teams, collaborate with on-site engineers, and drive digital transformation for efficiency, safety, and sustainability from a remote-first SA setup.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years in chemical process design and optimization with a digital focus.
• Proven expertise in Aspen Plus, HYSYS, data analytics, and ML applications.
• Experience leading remote engineering teams across time zones.
• Strong communication and strategic planning for digital transformation.

Responsibilities

• Lead remote process optimization across multiple facilities.
• Use data analytics, ML, and simulation to identify bottlenecks.
• Design and deploy digital twin solutions for real-time monitoring.
• Provide remote expert guidance to on-site teams.
• Develop roadmaps for process enhancement and digital transformation.
• Facilitate virtual workshops and training for global teams.
• Champion process safety and environmental compliance remotely.
• Manage projects for process upgrades ensuring timely delivery.
• Foster collaborative, high-performing virtual team.
• Conduct root-cause analyses for deviations and corrective actions.

Skills

Chemical engineering

Process optimization

Remote leadership

Data analytics

Machine learning

Process safety

Stakeholder management

Education

Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

Digital twin platforms

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in specialty chemicals, is seeking a highly accomplished Lead Chemical Engineer to spearhead their remote process optimization initiatives. This role is fundamentally remote-first, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere within South Africa. You will be at the forefront of leveraging advanced data analytics, digital twins, and cutting-edge simulation tools to enhance the performance of our client's international manufacturing sites. This position requires a visionary leader with a deep understanding of chemical engineering principles and a passion for driving innovation through digital transformation. You will collaborate closely with on-site engineering teams worldwide, providing expert guidance and strategic direction to achieve optimal operational efficiency, sustainability, and safety. The successful candidate will thrive in a remote setting, demonstrating exceptional communication and leadership skills to bridge geographical distances and foster a cohesive, high-performing virtual team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of remote process optimization strategies across multiple international manufacturing facilities.
• Utilize advanced data analytics, machine learning, and process simulation software to identify performance bottlenecks and improvement opportunities.
• Design and oversee the deployment of digital twin solutions for real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance.
• Provide expert technical consultation and remote support to on-site engineering and operations teams.
• Develop and present strategic roadmaps for process enhancement and digital transformation to senior management.
• Facilitate virtual workshops and training sessions for global teams on process optimization techniques and tools.
• Champion best practices in process safety, environmental compliance, and operational excellence from a remote standpoint.
• Manage projects related to process upgrades and technological implementations, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery.
• Foster a collaborative and innovative remote work environment, promoting knowledge sharing and continuous learning.
• Conduct in-depth root cause analysis for process deviations and implement corrective actions.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in chemical process design, optimization, and operations, with a significant focus on digital technologies.
• Proven expertise in process simulation (Aspen Plus, HYSYS), data analytics platforms, and ideally, machine learning applications.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and managing remote engineering teams and projects.
• Exceptional skills in virtual collaboration, communication, and stakeholder management across different time zones.
• Deep understanding of process safety management (PSM) and environmental regulations.
• Ability to work independently, manage priorities, and deliver results in a remote setting.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
• Experience with digital twin technology is highly desirable.
• Must be eligible to work remotely within South Africa.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package reflecting senior expertise and remote work flexibility.
• Home office stipend and technology allowance.
• Flexible working hours to accommodate different time zones.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous annual leave and personal development days.
• Opportunities for international travel for key project meetings or site visits (optional).
• Access to cutting-edge digital tools and continuous learning platforms.
• A truly global and forward-thinking work environment.