Principal Process Engineer - Sustainable Technologies

Placements24

Sandton

Hybrid

ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000

Full time

4 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Industry-leading salary

Bonus potential

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Home office stipend

Professional development

Remote-first culture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Process Engineer to lead the design and scale-up of sustainable chemical processes, including renewable feedstocks and biofuels. The role emphasizes remote collaboration with global researchers, engineers, and business teams to drive green innovation.

The ideal candidate has 10–12 years in process development, strong modeling and techno-economic analysis skills, and a passion for environmental sustainability.

Qualifications

Ph.D. or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering with a specialization in sustainable technologies, catalysis, or renewable energy.
Minimum of 10-12 years of progressive experience in process development and scale-up, with a strong focus on sustainability.
Demonstrated expertise in designing and implementing processes for renewable chemicals, biofuels, or carbon capture.
Proven experience with process simulation software and advanced modeling techniques.
Strong background in techno-economic analysis and life cycle assessment (LCA).
Exceptional leadership, problem-solving, and strategic thinking abilities.
Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, adept at virtual collaboration.
Ability to work autonomously with minimal supervision in a fully remote capacity.
Published research or patents in relevant fields are highly desirable.
A genuine passion for environmental sustainability and green innovation.

Responsibilities

Lead the conceptualization and design of novel sustainable chemical processes.
Develop and scale-up technologies for renewable feedstocks, biofuels, or biodegradable materials.
Conduct techno-economic feasibility studies and process simulations for new technologies.
Collaborate virtually with R&D, engineering, and external partners to advance projects.
Perform rigorous process safety analyses (HAZOP, LOPA) for new and emerging technologies.
Oversee pilot plant operations and data analysis to validate process designs.
Develop detailed engineering packages and P&IDs for sustainable processes.
Mentor and guide junior engineers working on sustainability initiatives.
Stay ahead of scientific advancements and market trends in green chemistry and renewable technologies.
Prepare high-level technical reports and presentations for senior management and stakeholders.

Skills

Process design

Technical leadership

Remote collaboration

Process simulation

Life cycle assessment

Project management

Problem solving

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Chemical Engineering

MS in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in sustainable chemical solutions, is seeking an exceptional Principal Process Engineer to join their pioneering, fully remote team. This role is at the forefront of developing and implementing innovative processes for renewable energy and green chemistry applications. You will be responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and scaling up novel chemical processes that minimize environmental impact and maximize resource efficiency. The ideal candidate possesses deep technical expertise, a passion for sustainability, and the ability to lead complex projects independently in a remote setting. You will collaborate virtually with world-class researchers, engineers, and business development professionals across the globe, driving the transition towards a circular economy. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on global sustainability challenges through advanced chemical engineering. The role demands strategic thinking, exceptional problem-solving capabilities, and a commitment to driving transformative change in the chemical industry.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the conceptualization and design of novel sustainable chemical processes.
Develop and scale-up technologies for renewable feedstocks, biofuels, or biodegradable materials.
Conduct techno-economic feasibility studies and process simulations for new technologies.
Collaborate virtually with R&D, engineering, and external partners to advance projects.
Perform rigorous process safety analyses (HAZOP, LOPA) for new and emerging technologies.
Oversee pilot plant operations and data analysis to validate process designs.
Develop detailed engineering packages and P&IDs for sustainable processes.
Mentor and guide junior engineers working on sustainability initiatives.
Stay ahead of scientific advancements and market trends in green chemistry and renewable technologies.
Prepare high-level technical reports and presentations for senior management and stakeholders.

Requirements

Ph.D. or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering with a specialization in sustainable technologies, catalysis, or renewable energy.
Minimum of 10-12 years of progressive experience in process development and scale-up, with a strong focus on sustainability.
Demonstrated expertise in designing and implementing processes for renewable chemicals, biofuels, or carbon capture.
Proven experience with process simulation software and advanced modeling techniques.
Strong background in techno-economic analysis and life cycle assessment (LCA).
Exceptional leadership, problem-solving, and strategic thinking abilities.
Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, adept at virtual collaboration.
Ability to work autonomously with minimal supervision in a fully remote capacity.
Published research or patents in relevant fields are highly desirable.
A genuine passion for environmental sustainability and green innovation.

Benefits