Lead Chemical Engineer - Sustainable Technologies

Placements24; George; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Health insurance

Professional development

Retirement plan

Job summary

Placements24 in South Africa seeks a Lead Chemical Engineer to drive eco-friendly technologies. This remote role leads a team of engineers and researchers, guiding projects from concept to scale and partnering with international collaborators.

You will apply green chemistry principles, perform techno-economic assessments and lifecycle analyses, and scale pilot and full-scale processes. A Master’s or PhD in Chemical Engineering and 10+ years’ experience, including 5+ in leadership, are required.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or closely related field.
• Minimum of 10 years in the field, with at least 5 years in a leadership or senior role.
• Demonstrated expertise in designing and scaling up novel chemical processes with environmental benefits.
• In-depth knowledge of sustainable chemical principles, renewable feedstocks, and waste valorization techniques.
• Proven ability to lead and manage remote engineering teams effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead conceptualization, design, and execution of innovative chemical processes for sustainable technologies.
• Oversee and mentor a remote team of engineers and researchers.
• Conduct techno-economic assessments and life cycle analyses for new processes.
• Develop and optimize pilot-scale and full-scale manufacturing processes for sustainability.
• Stay updated on advancements in green chemistry and environmental technologies.
• Prepare technical reports and proposals for stakeholders.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources to meet KPIs.
• Collaborate with external research institutions and technology providers.
• Champion a culture of innovation and continuous improvement in environmental performance.

Skills

Leadership

Remote team management

Process design

Techno-economic assessment

Life cycle analysis

Education

Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

ChemCAD

Job description

About the Role Our client is a globally recognized leader in chemical innovation and sustainability, seeking an exceptional Lead Chemical Engineer to spearhead projects focused on developing groundbreaking eco-friendly technologies. This is a fully remote position, offering unparalleled flexibility and the opportunity to work from anywhere within South Africa. You will be instrumental in driving the research, development, and implementation of processes that minimize environmental impact and promote circular economy principles. This role is ideal for a visionary engineer passionate about creating a greener future through advanced chemical engineering solutions. Your expertise will be crucial in guiding a talented team and collaborating with international partners to achieve ambitious sustainability goals. The remote-first nature of this role ensures seamless collaboration through advanced digital tools and regular virtual team engagements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and execution of innovative chemical processes for sustainable technologies, such as biodegradable polymers, CO2 capture, or advanced recycling methods.
• Oversee and mentor a team of chemical engineers and researchers, fostering a collaborative and high-performance remote work environment.
• Conduct in-depth techno-economic assessments and life cycle analyses for new sustainable processes.
• Develop and optimize pilot-scale and full-scale manufacturing processes, ensuring scalability and commercial viability.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in green chemistry, sustainable engineering, and environmental technologies globally.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports, research papers, and project proposals for internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources effectively to deliver on key performance indicators.
• Liaise with external research institutions, technology providers, and regulatory bodies to advance sustainable initiatives.
• Champion a culture of innovation and continuous improvement in environmental performance.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or a closely related field, with a strong focus on sustainability or green chemistry.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership or senior engineering role.
• Demonstrated expertise in designing and scaling up novel chemical processes, particularly those with environmental benefits.
• In-depth knowledge of sustainable chemical principles, renewable feedstocks, and waste valorization techniques.
• Proven ability to lead and manage remote engineering teams effectively.
• Experience with process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, ChemCAD) and data analysis tools.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information clearly.
• A passion for environmental stewardship and a commitment to driving sustainable change.
• Must be based in South Africa with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote setting.

Benefits

• This role offers a highly competitive salary, reflective of the senior expertise required.
• As a fully remote position, it provides the ultimate flexibility in terms of work location.
• Our client invests in employee growth through extensive online training, professional development opportunities, and support for attending virtual conferences.
• A comprehensive health insurance plan and a generous retirement savings contribution are provided.
• Employees also enjoy a flexible work schedule and a supportive digital work culture designed for remote success.

Join us in shaping the future of sustainable **chemical engineering** from **George**, **Western Cape**, **South Africa**.