Principal Chemical Engineer, Reaction Engineering

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Bonus potential

Health coverage

Retirement savings plan

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Chemical Engineer with a PhD in Chemical Engineering to lead reaction engineering projects in Pretoria, Gauteng. Design and optimize reactors and catalytic systems, perform kinetic studies, and drive scale-up from lab to pilot plant with autonomy.

You will mentor chemists and engineers, collaborate with business development and manufacturing to ensure commercial viability, and contribute to patents and publications while upholding safety and environmental standards.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemical Engineering with a focus on Reaction Engineering or Catalysis.
• Minimum of 10 years post-doctoral or industrial research in reaction engineering.
• Experience with kinetic modeling, reactor design, and process simulation software.
• Proven track record of developing and scaling up chemical processes.
• Ability to lead research teams and manage complex R&D projects.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including patents and publications.

Responsibilities

• Lead cutting-edge research projects in reaction engineering and catalysis.
• Develop novel reactor designs and optimize existing systems for improved performance and yield.
• Conduct kinetic studies and mechanistic investigations of chemical reactions.
• Utilize computational modeling and simulation tools for reactor design and analysis.
• Oversee design and operation of experimental rigs and pilot plants.
• Mentor a team of chemists, engineers, and technicians.
• Collaborate with business development and manufacturing for commercial viability.
• Author technical reports, patents, and peer-reviewed publications.
• Stay at the forefront of advancements in reaction engineering and catalysis.
• Ensure safety and environmental responsibility in all activities.

Skills

Reaction Engineering

Catalysis

Kinetics

Reactor design

Scale-up

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Education

PhD in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned leader in advanced materials and catalysis, is seeking a Principal Chemical Engineer with specialized expertise in Reaction Engineering to join their esteemed research and development division in Pretoria, Gauteng . This senior role involves leading complex research projects focused on the design and optimization of chemical reactors and catalytic systems. You will be instrumental in pushing the boundaries of chemical synthesis, developing innovative solutions for challenging industrial applications. The ideal candidate will possess deep theoretical knowledge coupled with extensive practical experience in kinetics, reactor design, and scale-up. This position offers significant autonomy, the opportunity to mentor junior scientists and engineers, and a direct impact on the company's future product pipeline. We foster a highly collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment for our R&D professionals.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead cutting-edge research projects in reaction engineering and catalysis.
• Develop novel reactor designs and optimize existing systems for enhanced performance and yield.
• Conduct in-depth kinetic studies and mechanistic investigations of chemical reactions.
• Utilize advanced computational modeling and simulation tools for reactor design and analysis.
• Oversee the design, construction, and operation of experimental rigs and pilot plants.
• Mentor and guide a team of chemists, engineers, and technicians.
• Collaborate closely with business development and manufacturing teams to ensure commercial viability of new processes.
• Author technical reports, patents, and peer-reviewed publications.
• Stay at the forefront of advancements in reaction engineering and catalytic science.
• Ensure all research activities adhere to the highest standards of safety and environmental responsibility.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering with a strong focus on Reaction Engineering or Catalysis.
• A minimum of 10 years of post-doctoral or industrial research experience in reaction engineering.
• Extensive experience with kinetic modeling, reactor design, and process simulation software.
• Demonstrated track record of successfully developing and scaling up chemical processes.
• Proven ability to lead research teams and manage complex R&D projects.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills with a creative approach to innovation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience in patent and publication writing.
• Experience with heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysis.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, balancing remote research analysis with on-site experimental work.
• Strong understanding of chemical engineering fundamentals.

Benefits

• Our client offers an exceptional compensation package including a competitive base salary, significant bonus potential, comprehensive health coverage, and a generous retirement savings plan.
• Employees benefit from substantial opportunities for professional growth, including funding for advanced training, conference participation, and sabbaticals.
• This hybrid role allows for flexibility in managing your workload, with state-of-the-art research facilities available in Pretoria.
• Join a team dedicated to scientific excellence and innovation in advanced materials.