Lead Chemical Process Engineer - Industrial Scale-Up

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental & Vision

Pension plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Chemical Process Engineer to drive industrial-scale process development from idea to implementation. This remote-first role requires guiding design, optimization, and troubleshooting across multiple projects while coordinating with dispersed teams.

The ideal candidate will have a PhD or MSc in Chemical Engineering and 10+ years in scale-up and process design, using Aspen Plus and P&IDs.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering required or equivalent.
• 10+ years of progressive chemical process engineering experience with emphasis on scale-up and industrial implementation.
• Proven expertise in process design, simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus), and P&ID development.
• Strong knowledge of reaction engineering, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and heat/mass transfer.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing complex engineering projects and remote collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and scale-up of chemical processes from pilot to industrial scale.
• Develop detailed PFDs, P&IDs, and equipment specifications.
• Perform process simulations, mass and energy balances, and risk assessments.
• Oversee equipment selection, procurement, and installation support.
• Mentor junior engineers and manage remote project teams.
• Ensure compliance with safety, health, environmental, and regulatory standards.

Skills

Process design

Scale-up

PFD & P&ID

Aspen Plus

Process simulation

Mass & energy balance

Hazard analysis

PSM

Leadership

Remote collaboration

Education

Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced and highly capable Lead Chemical Process Engineer to spearhead their industrial-scale process development and implementation initiatives. This role is crucial for taking laboratory and pilot-scale innovations and transforming them into robust, efficient, and safe commercial-scale operations. As a foundational member of our client's remote-first engineering department, you will guide process design, optimization, and troubleshooting efforts across multiple projects. You will be responsible for developing detailed process designs, specifying major equipment, and ensuring seamless integration with plant operations. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of chemical engineering fundamentals, extensive experience in scale-up methodologies, and a proven track record of leading complex projects. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills are essential for collaborating effectively with diverse, geographically dispersed teams. This is an exceptional opportunity for a senior engineer to exert significant influence and drive innovation from a fully remote position, contributing to key industrial advancements for our client, supported by our **Mahikeng, North West, ZA** headquarters.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and scale-up of chemical processes from pilot to industrial scale
• Develop detailed process flow diagrams (PFDs), piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), and equipment specifications
• Perform rigorous process simulations, mass and energy balances, and risk assessments
• Oversee equipment selection, procurement, and installation support
• Collaborate closely with R&D, operations, safety, and project management teams
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex process issues during scale-up and commercial operation
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety, health, environmental, and regulatory standards
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior process engineers
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources effectively in a remote setting
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of process engineering standards and best practices

Requirements

Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering. 10+ years of progressive experience in chemical process engineering, with a significant focus on scale-up and industrial implementation. Proven expertise in process design, simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus), and P&ID development. Strong understanding of reaction engineering, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and heat/mass transfer. Demonstrated leadership experience in managing complex engineering projects. In-depth knowledge of process safety management (PSM) and hazard analysis techniques (e.g., HAZOP). Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders remotely. Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple projects concurrently. Experience in diverse chemical industries is highly desirable.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive executive-level salary, comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, generous paid time off, and robust retirement savings plans. We provide extensive opportunities for professional growth, including leadership development programs and support for advanced training. This role is fully remote, offering unparalleled flexibility and work-life balance, while operating from our **Mahikeng, North West, ZA** base. Join a company committed to innovation and engineering excellence.