Lead Chemical Engineer - Sustainable Processes

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

Benefits offered by this job

Extended health & dental coverage

Stock options

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24, on behalf of our client, seeks a Lead Chemical Engineer to drive R&D of sustainable chemical processes from a remote setting. You will mentor engineers, oversee feasibility studies and scale-up of green technologies.

The role emphasizes life cycle assessment, process modeling, regulatory compliance, and collaboration with external institutes. Strong publication and grant experience will be advantageous.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering with Green Chemistry or Sustainable Processes specialization.
• 10+ years in chemical process development and R&D.
• Experience leading technical teams.
• Expertise in process design, scale-up, and optimization of eco-friendly processes.
• Proficient in advanced simulation and modeling for sustainable technologies.
• Strong knowledge of life cycle assessment and environmental impact analysis.
• Excellent strategic planning, communication, and presentation skills.
• Publications or patents desirable.
• Experience with remote work and virtual collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of chemical engineers in sustainable process development.
• Oversee conceptualization, feasibility studies, and detailed design of new green technologies.
• Develop and implement strategies to reduce waste, energy use, and carbon footprint.
• Conduct rigorous process modeling and simulation to evaluate performance and optimize designs.
• Collaborate with external research institutions and technology providers on innovations.
• Ensure all processes comply with environmental regulations and sustainability goals.
• Prepare technical documentation, research papers, and patent applications.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources for R&D initiatives.
• Present findings and updates to senior management and stakeholders.
• Foster innovation and continuous learning within the team.

Skills

Team leadership

Process design

Process optimization

Advanced simulation

LCA expertise

Grant procurement

Publications

Remote collaboration

Education

Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client is at the forefront of developing innovative and sustainable chemical solutions and is seeking a highly accomplished Lead Chemical Engineer to spearhead their research and development initiatives. This fully **remote** role is ideal for a visionary engineer passionate about environmental stewardship and process innovation. You will lead a talented team focused on designing and implementing next-generation chemical processes that minimize environmental impact and maximize resource efficiency. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of sustainable chemistry from the comfort of your home office, contributing to groundbreaking projects with global significance. We are looking for a strategic thinker with a proven ability to lead and inspire a technical team. Your expertise will be critical in driving our client's commitment to a greener chemical industry. The role demands a proactive approach to problem-solving and a deep understanding of green chemistry principles.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of chemical engineers in the design and development of sustainable chemical processes.
• Oversee the conceptualization, feasibility studies, and detailed design of new green chemical technologies.
• Develop and implement strategies to reduce waste, energy consumption, and carbon footprint in chemical manufacturing.
• Conduct rigorous process modeling and simulation to evaluate performance and optimize new designs.
• Collaborate with external research institutions and technology providers to explore cutting-edge innovations.
• Ensure all developed processes adhere to stringent environmental regulations and sustainability goals.
• Prepare comprehensive technical documentation, research papers, and patent applications.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources effectively for R&D initiatives.
• Present findings and project updates to senior management and key stakeholders.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning within the engineering team.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering with a specialization in Green Chemistry or Sustainable Processes.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in chemical process development and R&D.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and managing technical teams.
• Expertise in process design, scale-up, and optimization of environmentally friendly chemical processes.
• Proficiency in advanced simulation and modeling software relevant to sustainable technologies.
• Strong understanding of life cycle assessment (LCA) and environmental impact analysis.
• Excellent strategic planning, communication, and presentation skills.
• Proven ability to secure research grants or funding for innovative projects.
• A strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals or relevant patents is highly desirable.
• Experience working in a fully **remote** setting, demonstrating self-discipline and effective virtual collaboration.

Benefits

• This **remote** position offers a highly competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including extended health and dental coverage, a generous retirement savings plan, and potential for stock options. Our client provides a flexible work environment that prioritizes work-life balance. You will have access to state-of-the-art digital tools and platforms to facilitate seamless remote collaboration. Opportunities for continuous professional development, including specialized training and conference attendance, are provided.

Join a forward-thinking company dedicated to making a significant positive impact on the environment through pioneering chemical engineering. We offer the flexibility of working from anywhere in **South Africa** (or internationally, depending on regulatory compliance) while being an integral part of our innovative team.