Lead Chemical Process Development Engineer - Remote First

Placements24; George; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Stock options

Health insurance

Pension/retirement plan

Professional development allowance

Home office stipend

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Lead Chemical Process Development Engineer to spearhead innovation from a remote-first perspective. Design, develop and optimize novel chemical processes, bringing them from lab concept to pilot scale and commercialization, working from your home office with a distributed global team.

You will identify new synthesis routes, improve existing processes, ensure scalability, efficiency and sustainability, and mentor junior engineers.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• 8+ years in chemical process development and scale-up.
• Experience with remote collaboration tools.
• Experience bringing processes from concept to commercialization.
• Proficiency with Aspen Plus, HYSYS or CHEMCAD.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of new chemical processes from R&D to scale-up.
• Conduct feasibility studies and techno-economic assessments.
• Optimize manufacturing processes for yield, cost, safety, and environmental impact.
• Develop process simulations and models.
• Oversee technology transfer from R&D to pilot and production.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet project goals.
• Mentor junior engineers and researchers.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and sustainable chemistry.
• Prepare technical reports and research proposals.
• Lead remote, distributed team collaboration.

Skills

Remote collaboration

Communication skills

Project leadership

Problem solving

Process modeling

Education

Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

CHEMCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced and visionary Lead Chemical Process Development Engineer to spearhead innovation from a remote-first perspective. This pivotal role involves the design, development, and optimization of novel chemical processes, bringing them from laboratory conception to pilot-scale validation and eventual commercialization. Working from your home office, you will collaborate closely with a distributed global team of scientists and engineers. Your expertise will be critical in identifying and evaluating new chemical synthesis routes, improving existing manufacturing processes, and ensuring scalability, efficiency, and sustainability. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of chemical manufacturing with a company that embraces remote work and values cutting-edge R&D. You will play a key role in driving technological advancements and ensuring our client remains at the forefront of the chemical industry, contributing significantly to product development and market competitiveness. The role requires a blend of strong theoretical knowledge and practical application in process engineering.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and development of new chemical processes from R&D through to scale-up.
• Conduct feasibility studies, pilot plant trials, and techno-economic assessments for potential new processes.
• Optimize existing manufacturing processes to enhance yield, reduce costs, improve safety, and minimize environmental impact.
• Develop detailed process simulations and models using industry-standard software.
• Oversee the engineering aspects of technology transfer from R&D labs to pilot and commercial manufacturing facilities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including R&D chemists, engineers, manufacturing personnel, and quality assurance to achieve project goals.
• Troubleshoot complex process issues encountered during development, scale-up, or commercial production.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports, design documents, and research proposals.
• Stay current with emerging technologies, innovative process intensification techniques, and sustainable chemistry practices.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers and researchers involved in process development projects.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in chemical process development, scale-up, and optimization, preferably with some exposure to remote collaboration tools and methodologies.
• Demonstrated success in bringing new chemical processes from concept to commercialization.
• Strong understanding of reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, mass transfer, and separation technologies.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS, CHEMCAD).
• Experience with pilot plant design, operation, and data analysis.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and a systematic approach to technical challenges.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, essential for remote collaboration.
• Proven ability to lead projects and work effectively within a virtual team environment.
• Experience in specialty chemicals or pharmaceuticals is a strong advantage.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package, reflecting the senior and remote nature of the role.
• Opportunity to work remotely from anywhere within South Africa.
• Generous annual leave and flexible working hours.
• Performance-based bonuses and stock options.
• Professional development allowance for conferences, training, and online courses.
• Home office setup stipend and ongoing technology support.
• Comprehensive private health insurance coverage.
• Contribution towards a retirement annuity fund.
• Exposure to cutting-edge research and development in a forward-thinking company.