Principal Chemical Engineer - R&D

Placements24; Klerksdorp; Hybrid; ZAR 2,936,000 - 3,915,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity options

Global health coverage

Retirement benefits

Research budget

Remote work

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a visionary Principal Chemical Engineer to lead innovative R&D initiatives in a fully remote role. This senior position focuses on exploring and developing next-generation chemical technologies and manufacturing methods.

You will oversee conceptualization, feasibility studies, and initial design phases, guiding distributed teams and external collaborators. A track record of innovation and leadership in chemical engineering is essential.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years in chemical R&D with proven innovation.
• Experience converting concepts to proof-of-concept.
• Strong leadership and remote collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead conceptualization and development of novel chemical processes.
• Perform feasibility studies, risk assessments, and economic evaluations.
• Design and oversee lab and pilot-scale experiments.
• Author patents and technical publications documenting research.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to R&D teams.
• Stay updated on advances aligned with strategic goals.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Leadership

Remote collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering

10+ years in chemical R&D

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a visionary Principal Chemical Engineer to spearhead their Research and Development initiatives, working entirely remotely. This senior position is focused on exploring and developing innovative chemical technologies and processes that will shape the future of the industry. You will lead conceptualization, feasibility studies, and the initial design phases of next-generation products and manufacturing methods. The ideal candidate is a thought leader with a proven track record in innovation and a passion for pushing the boundaries of chemical engineering science, operating effectively in a distributed team environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization and development of novel chemical processes and technologies.
• Conduct in-depth feasibility studies, risk assessments, and economic evaluations for new R&D projects.
• Design and oversee laboratory and pilot-scale experiments to validate new concepts.
• Author patents and technical publications documenting groundbreaking research.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to R&D teams and external collaborators.
• Stay abreast of emerging scientific and technological advancements relevant to the company's strategic goals.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or a related scientific field.
• 10+ years of experience in chemical research and development , with a strong focus on innovation.
• Demonstrated success in bringing new technologies from concept to proof-of-concept.
• Expertise in areas such as catalysis, reaction engineering, materials science, or process intensification.
• Excellent strategic thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to lead and inspire technical teams in a remote setting.

Benefits

• Highly competitive executive compensation package including significant equity options.
• Comprehensive global health coverage and retirement benefits.
• Generous budget for research resources, conferences, and professional development.
• Opportunity to define the technological future of a leading chemical company.
• Fully remote position offering ultimate flexibility and work-life integration.