Principal Chemical Engineer - Renewable Energy Processes

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary + bonus

Health, retirement, and life insurance

Professional development

Paid vacation and sick leave

Relocation assistance

Housing allowance

Access to R&D facilities

Sustainability impact

Job summary

Placements24 in Upington, South Africa seeks a Principal Chemical Engineer to lead development and optimization of renewable energy processes, including biofuels, hydrogen, and energy storage. The role focuses on driving innovation, feasibility studies, and technical guidance for scalable projects on-site.

The ideal candidate has a PhD or MSc in Chemical Engineering with renewable energy specialization, 10+ years’ experience, and proven leadership.

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc in Chemical Engineering, renewable energy specialization.
• 10+ years of progressive chemical engineering experience, with 5+ years in renewables.
• Proven experience in process design, scale-up and optimization of sustainable energy systems.
• Strong leadership and project management capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and optimization of chemical processes for renewable energy.
• Perform techno-economic analyses and risk assessments.
• Oversee process scale-up from lab to pilot and commercial scale.
• Provide senior technical leadership and mentorship to engineering teams.
• Ensure safety, environmental and performance standards are met.
• Collaborate with researchers, external partners and operations teams to integrate new technologies.
• Troubleshoot operational challenges and implement innovative solutions.
• Manage capital projects with on-time and within-budget delivery.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Communication

Team mentorship

Education

PhD or MSc in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process simulation software

Modeling tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in sustainable energy solutions, is actively seeking a highly accomplished Principal Chemical Engineer to drive innovation in renewable energy processes in Upington, Northern Cape . This role is central to the development and optimization of cutting-edge technologies in areas such as biofuels, green hydrogen production, or advanced battery materials. You will lead complex engineering projects, conduct feasibility studies, and provide expert technical guidance to ensure the efficiency, scalability, and economic viability of our renewable energy initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of chemical engineering principles applied to sustainable energy systems, coupled with strong leadership and project management skills. We are looking for a visionary engineer committed to advancing the green energy transition. This is an unparalleled opportunity to shape the future of energy in Upington and contribute significantly to environmental sustainability goals. The work involves significant on-site engagement and collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and optimization of chemical processes for renewable energy applications (e.g., biofuels, hydrogen, energy storage).
• Conduct feasibility studies, techno-economic analyses, and risk assessments for new renewable energy technologies.
• Oversee process scale-up from laboratory to pilot and commercial scale operations.
• Provide senior technical leadership and mentorship to engineering teams working on renewable energy projects.
• Ensure all process designs meet stringent safety, environmental, and performance standards.
• Collaborate with research scientists, external partners, and operational teams to integrate new technologies.
• Troubleshoot complex operational challenges and implement innovative solutions.
• Manage capital projects, ensuring timely and within-budget delivery.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in renewable energy technologies and chemical process engineering.
• Prepare and present technical reports, proposals, and findings to senior management and stakeholders.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering with a specialization in renewable energy, electrochemistry, or related fields.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in chemical engineering, with at least 5 years focused on renewable energy technologies or processes.
• Proven experience in process design, scale-up, and optimization of sustainable energy systems.
• Expertise in areas such as catalysis, electrochemistry, biomass conversion, or advanced materials for energy.
• Strong background in process simulation and modeling tools.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities and experience managing complex engineering projects.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively.
• Experience working in industrial or research environments focused on renewable energy is essential.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa.
• Willingness to work on-site in Upington, Northern Cape.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and bonus structure.
• Comprehensive health, retirement, and life insurance benefits.
• Significant opportunities for professional development and exposure to leading-edge technologies.
• Paid vacation and sick leave.
• Opportunity to be at the forefront of the renewable energy revolution.
• Collaborative work environment with passionate experts.
• Relocation assistance provided for candidates moving to Upington.
• Contribution to impactful sustainability initiatives.
• Company-provided housing or significant housing allowance.
• Access to advanced research and development facilities.