Lead Chemical Process Development Engineer - Remote Role

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Annual leave

Remote work setup allowance

Professional development

Job summary

WhatJobs Direct, based in George, Western Cape, is seeking a Lead Chemical Process Development Engineer for a fully remote role with remote-first flexibility across South Africa.

You will lead development of novel and existing chemical processes, supervise pilot plant activities, and drive scale-up and technology transfer while coordinating with dispersed teams. The role requires strategic thinking and extensive experience in process R&D and PHAs.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Chemical Engineering.
• 7+ years hands-on experience in chemical process development and scale-up.
• Experience with pilot plant design and operation.
• Strong skills in process modeling and simulation software.
• Proficiency in statistical methods and Design of Experiments (DOE).
• Excellent leadership, project management, and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication for remote collaboration.
• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.
• Familiarity with process safety management (PSM) principles.
• Valid work permit for South Africa.

Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and execution of chemical process development projects.
• Oversee pilot plant operations, data acquisition, and analysis for process validation.
• Develop and implement robust scale-up strategies from laboratory to commercial production.
• Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, and engineering in a virtual environment.
• Conduct PHAs and implement risk mitigation strategies.
• Author technical reports, design documentation, and IP disclosures.
• Mentor junior engineers and scientists in process development methodologies.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry best practices.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Communicate project progress to senior management.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

DOE

Process modeling

Statistics

Communication

Remote collaboration

Mentoring

Education

M.S. or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, WhatJobs Direct, is seeking an accomplished Lead Chemical Process Development Engineer for a challenging and rewarding fully remote position. This role is based in the vibrant region of George, Western Cape, ZA , but operates on a remote-first basis, allowing you to work from anywhere within South Africa. You will spearhead the development of novel and existing chemical processes, focusing on innovation, efficiency, and scalability. This position requires a strategic thinker with extensive experience in process R&D, pilot plant operations, and technology transfer. If you are passionate about driving chemical process innovation and excel in a remote collaborative setting, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and execution of chemical process development projects.
• Oversee pilot plant operations, data acquisition, and analysis for process validation.
• Develop and implement robust scale-up strategies from laboratory to commercial production.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including R&D, manufacturing, and engineering, in a virtual environment.
• Conduct thorough process hazard analyses (PHAs) and implement risk mitigation strategies.
• Author comprehensive technical reports, design documentation, and intellectual property disclosures.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers and scientists in process development methodologies.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry best practices in chemical engineering.
• Ensure all process development activities comply with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Effectively communicate project progress and technical challenges to senior management.

Requirements

• Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Chemical Engineering or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of hands‑on experience in chemical process development and scale‑up.
• Demonstrated expertise in pilot plant design and operation.
• Strong proficiency in process modeling and simulation software.
• Experience with statistical methods and Design of Experiments (DOE).
• Excellent leadership, project management, and problem-solving abilities.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills, essential for remote collaboration.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.
• Familiarity with process safety management (PSM) principles.
• Must possess a valid work permit for South Africa.

Benefits

This fully remote position offers a highly competitive annual salary package between ZAR , reflecting your expertise and experience. You will enjoy comprehensive medical coverage, substantial annual leave, and ongoing professional development opportunities. Our client provides a dedicated remote work setup allowance to enhance your home office environment. This role offers the unique chance to lead groundbreaking projects and shape the future of chemical manufacturing, all within a flexible and supportive remote work structure. Join a pioneering company committed to innovation and employee growth.