Lead Chemical Process Development Engineer (Remote)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Retirement plans

Professional growth

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Chemical Process Development Engineer to drive R&D, scale-up, and techno-economic assessment of novel chemical processes. This remote role supports a global team from CAPE Town, enabling autonomous leadership of engineers and scientists.

You will develop PFDs and P&IDs, apply process modeling, ensure safety and regulatory compliance, mentor a virtual team, and communicate findings through reports and proposals.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Over 10 years of experience in chemical process development, scale-up, and optimization.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing technical teams.
• Extensive knowledge of reaction engineering, separation technologies, and process safety principles.
• Proficiency with process simulation software (e.g., ChemCAD, gPROMS) and statistical analysis tools.
• Exceptional problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, adapted for remote collaboration.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a virtual environment.
• Strong understanding of GMP and regulatory requirements, if applicable.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of innovative chemical processes from lab scale to pilot and commercial scale.
• Oversee and mentor a remote team of chemical engineers and scientists.
• Conduct in-depth feasibility studies and techno-economic analyses for new process concepts.
• Design and execute experimental programs to validate process designs and gather critical data.
• Develop detailed process flow diagrams (PFDs) and piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs).
• Utilize advanced modeling and simulation tools to optimize process performance and ensure safety.
• Collaborate closely with R&D, manufacturing, and quality assurance teams across different geographical locations.
• Ensure all process development activities adhere to stringent safety, environmental, and regulatory guidelines.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports, presentations, and project proposals.
• Stay abreast of the latest technological advancements and industry best practices in chemical process development.

Job description

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity for a highly experienced and innovative Lead Chemical Process Development Engineer to join Our client's global team. As a fully remote position, you will be instrumental in driving the research, development, and scale-up of novel chemical processes from our Cape Town, Western Cape hub, contributing to groundbreaking advancements in the field. You will lead a virtual team of engineers and scientists, fostering a collaborative and results-oriented environment. The role demands a strategic thinker with exceptional technical acumen and a passion for pushing the boundaries of chemical engineering. This position is perfectly suited for individuals who thrive in an autonomous, remote-first setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of innovative chemical processes from lab scale to pilot and commercial scale.
• Oversee and mentor a remote team of chemical engineers and scientists.
• Conduct in-depth feasibility studies and techno-economic analyses for new process concepts.
• Design and execute experimental programs to validate process designs and gather critical data.
• Develop detailed process flow diagrams (PFDs) and piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs).
• Utilize advanced modeling and simulation tools to optimize process performance and ensure safety.
• Collaborate closely with R&D, manufacturing, and quality assurance teams across different geographical locations.
• Ensure all process development activities adhere to stringent safety, environmental, and regulatory guidelines.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports, presentations, and project proposals.
• Stay abreast of the latest technological advancements and industry best practices in chemical process development.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Over 10 years of experience in chemical process development, scale-up, and optimization.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing technical teams.
• Extensive knowledge of reaction engineering, separation technologies, and process safety principles.
• Proficiency with process simulation software (e.g., ChemCAD, gPROMS) and statistical analysis tools.
• Exceptional problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, adapted for remote collaboration.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a virtual environment.
• Strong understanding of GMP and regulatory requirements, if applicable.
• A proactive and self-motivated approach to work, essential for remote success.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive compensation package, flexible working hours, and a supportive virtual work environment. As a remote position, you will have the freedom to work from anywhere, with regular virtual team meetings and collaboration tools to ensure seamless connectivity. Benefits include comprehensive health coverage, retirement savings plans, and generous opportunities for professional growth and continuous learning.

This role is based in Cape Town, Western Cape , but operates on a Remote basis.