Principal Chemical Engineer — Hybrid, Global Growth

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 2,000,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive compensation package

Long-term incentives

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Chemical Engineer for its client in Rustenburg, SA, to lead advanced process design and scale-up from pilot to production. The role emphasizes safety, environmental compliance, and project leadership across cross-functional teams.

The ideal candidate has a PhD with 12+ years in specialty chemicals, strong modeling and leadership skills, and a track record of mentoring engineers in high-stakes environments. Hybrid work is offered in Rustenburg.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemical Engineering with strong publication record.
• Minimum 12 years of chemical process R&D and engineering experience in specialty chemicals.
• Deep expertise in reaction engineering, catalysis, separations, and process intensification.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership in design, development, and scale-up of complex chemical processes.
• Lead feasibility studies, conceptual design, and detailed engineering for new facilities and upgrades.
• Develop and optimize reaction pathways, separation techniques, and purification methods for novel products.
• Conduct advanced process modeling, simulations, and risk analyses.
• Oversee pilot plant trials and data analysis for technology transfer to manufacturing.
• Ensure safety, environmental compliance, and operational efficiency in all designs.
• Perform PHAs including HAZOPs, LOPAs, and SIL assessments.
• Collaborate with R&D, operations, procurement, and external partners.
• Mentor engineers and foster technical excellence and continuous improvement.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations for senior management.

Skills

Reaction engineering

Catalysis

Separation processes

Process intensification

PSM

Leadership

Communication

Education

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

CHEMCAD

Job description

Placements24 seeks a Principal Chemical Engineer for its client in Rustenburg, SA, to lead advanced process design and scale-up from pilot to production. The role emphasizes safety, environmental compliance, and project leadership across cross-functional teams.

The ideal candidate has a PhD with 12+ years in specialty chemicals, strong modeling and leadership skills, and a track record of mentoring engineers in high-stakes environments. Hybrid work is offered in Rustenburg.