Lead Process Development Engineer - Remote

Placements24; Gauteng; Remote; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Chemical Process Development Engineer to join an entirely remote team. You will drive the conception, development, and scaling of novel chemical processes from laboratory to pilot and production, mentoring engineers and coordinating with R&D and manufacturing remotely.

You will optimize processes, design experiments, build models, and ensure safety and quality standards across the lifecycle while keeping pace with industry best practices and emerging technologies.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or closely related field.
• 10+ years of experience in chemical process development, scale-up, and optimization.
• Proven track record of bringing processes from concept to commercialization.
• Expertise in process simulation and modeling software (Aspen Plus, HYSYS, gPROMS).

Responsibilities

• Lead development and optimization of chemical processes from bench to industrial scale.
• Design experimental plans to study kinetics, thermodynamics, separations.
• Develop process models to predict performance and guide design.
• Oversee pilot plant trials and recommend scale-up steps.
• Collaborate with R&D, engineering, and manufacturing teams remotely.
• Ensure safety, environmental, and quality compliance throughout the lifecycle.
• Prepare technical reports, PFDs/P&IDs, and stakeholder presentations.
• Evaluate equipment and technologies for new and existing applications.
• Mentor a team of process engineers and stay abreast of industry trends.

Skills

Process development

Process simulation

Team leadership

Project management

Chemical engineering knowledge

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

gPROMS

Job description

Lead Chemical Process Development Engineer - Remote

full-time

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in innovative chemical solutions, is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Lead Chemical Process Development Engineer to join their entirely remote team. This pivotal role focuses on conceptualizing, developing, and scaling up novel chemical processes from laboratory to pilot and ultimately to commercial production. You will be at the forefront of technological advancement, driving the efficiency and sustainability of our client's manufacturing capabilities. As a remote-first organization, we embrace asynchronous collaboration and digital tools to foster a connected and productive environment. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of chemical manufacturing without geographical constraints, working with a diverse and talented international team. Your expertise will directly influence the development pipeline of groundbreaking chemical products.

• Lead the development and optimization of innovative chemical processes, from bench-scale experimentation to industrial implementation.
• Design and execute experimental plans to investigate reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and separation techniques.
• Develop process models and simulations to predict performance, identify critical parameters, and optimize designs.
• Oversee pilot plant trials, analyze data, and provide recommendations for scale‑up.
• Collaborate closely with R&D scientists, engineering disciplines, and manufacturing teams, primarily through virtual channels.
• Ensure rigorous adherence to safety protocols, environmental regulations, and quality standards throughout the process lifecycle.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, process documentation (PFDs, P&IDs), and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Evaluate and select appropriate process equipment and technologies for new and existing applications.
• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to a team of process engineers.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry best practices in chemical process development.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in chemical process development, scale‑up, and optimization within the chemical or pharmaceutical industry.
• Demonstrated success in bringing new chemical processes from concept to commercialization.
• Expertise in process simulation and modeling software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS, gPROMS).
• In-depth knowledge of reaction engineering, separations, and mass