Principal Chemical Process Innovator

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

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.