Principal Chemical Engineer - Process Development

Placements24; Bellville; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Health and life insurance

Retirement savings plan

Professional development support

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Chemical Engineer (Process Development) to lead the design, development and scale-up of novel chemical processes. Based in Centurion, Gauteng, you will drive projects from lab to pilot to commercial implementation, ensuring safety, efficiency and sustainability.

You will mentor engineers, collaborate across disciplines, and represent the company’s technical capabilities in process development.

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Chemical Engineering.
• At least 10 years in chemical process development.
• Expertise in reaction engineering, separations and unit operations.
• Strong knowledge of process safety management principles.
• Proficiency with Aspen Plus, HYSYS or CHEMCAD.
• Experience in pilot plant operations and scale-up challenges.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and scale-up of new chemical processes, from conceptual design through to pilot plant and commercialization.
• Design, simulate, and optimize processes using advanced engineering software.
• Develop and execute experimental plans for process validation and optimization in laboratory and pilot plant settings.
• Analyze process data, identify key performance indicators, and implement strategies for continuous improvement.
• Ensure all process designs comply with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior chemical engineers and R&D staff.
• Collaborate with research scientists, mechanical engineers, and operations teams to ensure seamless technology transfer.
• Evaluate and select appropriate process equipment and technologies.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, proposals, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and best practices in chemical process engineering.

Skills

Process development leadership

Scale-up experience

Pilot plant operations

Process optimization

Project management

Team mentoring

Chemical engineering expertise

Strong communication

Education

MSc or PhD in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

CHEMCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned leader in advanced chemical manufacturing and process technology, is seeking a highly accomplished Principal Chemical Engineer specializing in Process Development to join their innovative R&D division. This senior role, based in the dynamic hub of Centurion, Gauteng , will be instrumental in conceptualizing, designing, and optimizing novel chemical processes for the production of specialty chemicals and materials. You will be responsible for leading complex development projects, driving innovation from lab scale to pilot and commercial implementation, and ensuring the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and sustainability. The ideal candidate possesses a deep theoretical understanding combined with extensive practical experience in chemical process engineering, particularly within dynamic reaction systems and separation technologies. You will mentor junior engineers, collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, and represent the company’s technical expertise in process development. This is a unique opportunity to contribute significantly to our client’s technological advancements and to work on challenging projects that address global industrial needs. The strategic location in Centurion, Gauteng , offers excellent connectivity and access to a skilled workforce, fostering a collaborative and productive research environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and scale-up of new chemical processes, from conceptual design through to pilot plant and commercialization.
• Conduct rigorous process design, simulation, and optimization using advanced engineering software.
• Develop and execute experimental plans for process validation and optimization in laboratory and pilot plant settings.
• Analyze process data, identify key performance indicators, and implement strategies for continuous improvement.
• Ensure all process designs comply with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior chemical engineers and R&D staff.
• Collaborate with research scientists, mechanical engineers, and operations teams to ensure seamless technology transfer.
• Evaluate and select appropriate process equipment and technologies.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, proposals, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and best practices in chemical process engineering.

Requirements

• M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in chemical process development, scale-up, and optimization within the chemical industry.
• Proven expertise in designing and implementing complex chemical processes, including reaction engineering, separation techniques, and unit operations.
• Strong proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS, CHEMCAD).
• Demonstrated experience with pilot plant operations and scale-up challenges.
• Excellent understanding of process safety management (PSM) principles and environmental regulations.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal abilities.
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Experience in the specialty chemicals or advanced materials sector is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive remuneration package, including a substantial annual bonus, comprehensive health and life insurance, and a generous retirement savings plan.
• We provide significant opportunities for professional development, including advanced training programs and support for attending industry conferences.
• Employees benefit from access to state-of-the-art facilities and a stimulating, collaborative work environment.
• Located in Centurion, Gauteng , this role offers unparalleled career growth potential.
• We are committed to fostering a culture of innovation and excellence, providing our team members with the resources and support needed to achieve groundbreaking results.
• This is a fantastic opportunity to lead significant process development initiatives in the chemical industry.