Principal Chemical Engineer - Speciality Chemicals

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

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized leader in the development and production of high-performance specialty chemicals, is seeking a highly experienced Principal Chemical Engineer to join their advanced research and development facility in Rustenburg, North West . This senior position is crucial for driving innovation in process design and optimization, focusing on complex chemical synthesis and manufacturing challenges. You will act as a subject matter expert, guiding projects from pilot scale to full industrial implementation, and mentoring junior engineering staff. The ideal candidate possesses a deep theoretical understanding combined with extensive practical experience in handling hazardous materials and advanced reaction engineering. This role offers a significant opportunity to influence strategic technical direction and contribute to the company's continued growth and market leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical leadership in the design, development, and scale-up of complex chemical processes.
• Lead rigorous feasibility studies, conceptual design, and detailed engineering for new chemical manufacturing facilities and process upgrades.
• Develop and optimize reaction pathways, separation techniques, and purification methods for novel chemical products.
• Conduct advanced process modeling, simulation, and sensitivity analyses to predict performance and identify risks.
• Oversee the execution of pilot plant trials and data analysis to ensure successful technology transfer to manufacturing.
• Ensure all process designs adhere to the highest standards of safety, environmental compliance, and operational efficiency.
• Perform detailed Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs), including HAZOPs, LOPAs, and SIL assessments.
• Collaborate closely with R&D, operations, procurement, and external partners to achieve project objectives.
• Mentor and develop a team of chemical engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports, proposals, and presentations for senior management and stakeholders.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from a world-class institution, with a strong academic and publication record.
• Minimum of 12 years of intensive experience in chemical process research, development, and engineering, with a focus on specialty chemicals.
• Deep expertise in reaction engineering, catalysis, separation processes, and process intensification.
• Proven track record of successfully scaling up complex chemical processes from lab to commercial production.
• Extensive experience with process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, CHEMCAD) and advanced modeling techniques.
• Demonstrated knowledge of process safety management (PSM) principles and risk assessment methodologies.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking abilities.
• Outstanding leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence decision-making.
• Experience working with hazardous materials and in highly regulated environments.
• A proactive approach to identifying and implementing innovative solutions.

Benefits

• Our client provides a highly competitive executive compensation package, including a significant bonus structure, long-term incentives, and comprehensive benefits.
• Opportunities for international collaboration and professional growth are abundant.
• This position is based in Rustenburg, North West , offering a hybrid work model that balances in-office collaboration with remote flexibility, reflecting our commitment to modern work practices.