Lead Chemical Engineer - Remote Process Design

Placements24; South Africa; Remote; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Health coverage

Online training access

Retirement savings plan

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Chemical Engineer for a fully remote role focused on advanced process design. You will conceptualize, develop, and scale new chemical processes from the ground up, leading a distributed team and ensuring engineering rigor across projects.

You will oversee PFDs and P&IDs, run process simulations and techno-economic analyses, uphold safety and environmental standards, mentor remote engineers, and contribute to long-term strategic plans.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering from a recognized university.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in chemical process design and development, with leadership roles.
• Experience designing complex chemical plants, preferably in specialty chemicals or advanced materials.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (Aspen Plus, CHEMCAD) and data analysis tools.
• Experience in HAZOP studies and risk assessment methodologies.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and collaboration skills for remote team management.
• Self-motivated and disciplined; able to work autonomously in a remote setting.
• Strong understanding of sustainable chemical processes and green engineering principles.
• Reliable internet connection and a dedicated home office setup.

Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization and detailed design of novel chemical processes, with a focus on scalability and efficiency.
• Oversee and guide the development of PFDs and P&IDs for new projects.
• Conduct rigorous process simulations and techno-economic analyses to validate designs and identify optimization opportunities.
• Ensure all designs comply with international safety standards, environmental regulations, and company best practices.
• Collaborate effectively with virtual cross-functional teams, including R&D, manufacturing, and project management, using advanced communication tools.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to a team of remote chemical engineers.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in chemical engineering technology and implement relevant innovations.
• Manage project deliverables and timelines for assigned process design initiatives.
• Contribute to the development of long-term strategic engineering plans.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Remote team management

Time management

Self-motivation

Education

Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

CHEMCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a pioneering force in the chemical sector, committed to sustainable and innovative solutions. We are looking for an exceptional Lead Chemical Engineer to join our fully remote team, focusing on advanced process design. This position is critical for conceptualizing, developing, and scaling up new chemical processes from the ground up, all managed within a remote-first operational framework. You will be at the forefront of driving innovation, leveraging digital tools and collaborative platforms to deliver high-impact results. This role demands a leader who can inspire a remote team, maintain rigorous engineering standards, and contribute significantly to our global projects. Your expertise will be key in shaping the future of chemical manufacturing, with a strong emphasis on environmental responsibility and operational excellence. This is a unique opportunity to shape major projects from your home office, engaging with a diverse and talented international team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization and detailed design of novel chemical processes, with a focus on scalability and efficiency.
• Oversee and guide the development of process flow diagrams (PFDs) and piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs) for new projects.
• Conduct rigorous process simulations and techno-economic analyses to validate designs and identify optimization opportunities.
• Ensure all designs comply with international safety standards, environmental regulations, and company best practices.
• Collaborate effectively with virtual cross-functional teams, including R&D, manufacturing, and project management, using advanced communication tools.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to a team of remote chemical engineers.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in chemical engineering technology and implement relevant innovations.
• Manage project deliverables and timelines for assigned process design initiatives.
• Contribute to the development of long-term strategic engineering plans.

Requirements

• Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering from a recognized university.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in chemical process design and development, with a significant portion in leading roles.
• Demonstrated expertise in designing complex chemical plants, preferably in specialty chemicals or advanced materials.
• Advanced proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, CHEMCAD) and data analysis tools.
• Proven experience in HAZOP studies and risk assessment methodologies.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and collaboration skills, essential for remote team management.
• Self-motivated and disciplined, with the ability to work autonomously and manage time effectively in a remote setting.
• Strong understanding of sustainable chemical processes and green engineering principles.
• Must have a reliable internet connection and a dedicated home office setup.

Benefits

This fully remote position offers a highly competitive salary and benefits package, including potential for performance bonuses, comprehensive health coverage, and a retirement savings plan. Our client invests heavily in professional growth, providing access to online training, virtual conferences, and opportunities to lead groundbreaking projects. You will have the flexibility to work from anywhere, contributing to a forward-thinking company that values innovation and employee well-being. The impact of your work will be global, driving the adoption of advanced chemical technologies.