Lead Principal Chemical Engineer - R&D Innovator (Pretoria)

Placements24; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 2,000,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive compensation

Comprehensive benefits

R&D budget

Relocation support

Innovative environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Chemical Engineer with a strong focus on Research and Development to join their Pretoria team. This senior role leads complex projects, translates lab findings into scalable industrial processes, and drives breakthrough innovations.

The ideal candidate holds a Ph.D., 12+ years in chemical R&D, and a track record in reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, pilot plant scale-up, and technology transfer.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemical Engineering or closely related field.
• Proven extensive experience in chemical R&D and innovations.
• Strong understanding of reaction kinetics, thermodynamics and separation processes.
• Experience with pilot plant design, scale-up, and technology transfer.

Responsibilities

• Lead cutting-edge research projects to develop new chemical products and improve processes.
• Design and execute experimental protocols, analyze data, and guide R&D efforts.
• Evaluate technical and economic feasibility of new processes and technologies.
• Collaborate with chemists, materials scientists, and manufacturing engineers.
• Develop and maintain intellectual property through patents and publications.
• Provide expert technical consultation and mentorship to junior researchers and engineers.

Skills

R&D leadership

Experimental design

Data analysis

Mentorship

Publication record

Education

PhD in Chemical Engineering

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Chemical Engineer with a strong focus on Research and Development to join their Pretoria team. This senior role leads complex projects, translates lab findings into scalable industrial processes, and drives breakthrough innovations.

The ideal candidate holds a Ph.D., 12+ years in chemical R&D, and a track record in reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, pilot plant scale-up, and technology transfer.