Lead Chemical Engineer - Research & Development

Placements24; Centurion; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonuses

Health & retirement benefits

Professional development

State-of-the-art facilities

Hybrid work model

Relocation support

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Chemical Engineer to head R&D in Centurion, Gauteng. This senior role drives innovation, developing new chemical products and scalable processes. You will lead a team of engineers and chemists, ensuring collaboration across manufacturing, regulatory, and marketing to deliver impactful outcomes.

You will oversee pilot plants, manage budgets, and champion sustainable chemistry while balancing in-lab and remote work in a hybrid setup. Relocation assistance is offered.

Qualifications

• Requires MSc or PhD in Chemical Engineering with publication or patent record
• Ten years' experience in chemical process R&D, with at least 3 years in leadership
• Proven track record in scaling up from lab to pilot and commercial scale
• Expertise in catalysis, reaction engineering, separation processes, or sustainable chemistry
• Proficiency with R&D lab equipment and analytical instrumentation
• Strong project management skills and ability to manage R&D budgets
• Excellent analytical and communication skills
• Experience in Centurion or similar high-tech R&D environments is a plus
• Ability to work effectively in lab and remote settings

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D projects from concept to pilot plant scale-up and potential commercialization
• Develop novel chemical processes and optimize for efficiency and sustainability
• Oversee lab experiments and pilot studies design and execution
• Analyze data, interpret results, and provide reports and recommendations
• Mentor junior engineers and scientists in a collaborative environment
• Collaborate with manufacturing, regulatory, and marketing teams
• Stay updated on literature, patents, and emerging technologies
• Manage R&D budgets and allocate resources
• Ensure all research activities adhere to safety and ethical guidelines

Skills

R&D leadership

Process scale-up

Catalysis

Data analysis

Project management

Technical communication

Education

MSc/PhD in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Analytical instrumentation

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned innovator in sustainable chemical technologies, is looking for an experienced Lead Chemical Engineer to head their Research & Development efforts in **Centurion, Gauteng**. This senior role is central to driving innovation, developing new chemical products and processes, and translating laboratory discoveries into scalable industrial applications. You will lead a team of talented engineers and scientists, fostering a collaborative and creative research environment. This hybrid role balances crucial in-office collaboration and lab work with focused remote research and analysis, providing optimal conditions for impactful R&D. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping the future of our product portfolio and driving our commitment to environmental responsibility. We are based in the thriving industrial hub of **Centurion**, offering access to a skilled workforce and excellent infrastructure. This is a challenging yet rewarding opportunity for a visionary engineer to make a significant scientific and commercial impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage R&D projects from conceptualization through to pilot plant scale-up and potential commercialization.
• Develop novel chemical processes and optimize existing ones for efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability.
• Oversee the design and execution of laboratory experiments and pilot studies.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and provide comprehensive reports with recommendations.
• Mentor and guide junior R&D engineers and chemists, fostering a culture of learning and innovation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, marketing, and regulatory affairs.
• Stay updated on the latest scientific literature, patent landscapes, and emerging technologies in chemical engineering.
• Manage R&D budgets and resource allocation effectively.
• Ensure all research activities adhere to strict safety and ethical guidelines.

Requirements

• MSc or PhD in Chemical Engineering or a closely related field, with a strong publication record or patent portfolio.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in chemical process R&D, with at least 3 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Proven experience in scaling up chemical processes from laboratory to pilot and commercial scale.
• Expertise in areas such as catalysis, reaction engineering, separation processes, or sustainable chemistry.
• Proficiency with R&D laboratory equipment and analytical instrumentation.
• Strong project management skills and experience managing R&D budgets.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking abilities.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, capable of conveying complex technical information to diverse audiences.
• Experience working in **Centurion, Gauteng** or similar high-tech R&D environments is a plus.
• Ability to work effectively in both a lab setting and remotely.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, wellness, and retirement benefits.
• Significant opportunities for professional development, attending conferences, and further education.
• A dynamic and innovative research environment with state-of-the-art facilities.
• Hybrid work model for optimal flexibility and productivity.
• Relocation support for candidates moving to **Centurion, Gauteng**.