Principal Process Engineer - Sustainable Technologies

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work stipend

Health insurance

Conferences budget

Retirement plan

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Process Engineer with a specialization in Sustainable Technologies to join a fully remote, globally distributed team. The role focuses on conceiving, designing, and scaling eco-friendly chemical processes that minimize environmental impact and maximize resource efficiency.

You will lead cross-disciplinary efforts spanning bio-based and CCUS, performing simulations, techno-economic analyses, and scale-up from lab to pilot to commercial scale while ensuring

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master’s in Chemical Engineering with a focus on sustainability.
• 12+ years of progressive chemical process engineering experience with emphasis on sustainable technologies.
• Experience developing and implementing sustainable processes (e.g., biorefining, CCUS, waste valorization).
• Strong knowledge of reaction engineering, thermodynamics, separation processes, and LCA.
• Proficiency with process simulation software and analytical tools for sustainable processes.
• Excellent understanding of environmental regulations and sustainability metrics.
• Strong problem-solving, strategic planning, and communication skills for remote work.
• Experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects from concept to implementation.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of sustainable chemical processes focusing on waste reduction and renewable feedstocks.
• Evaluate and implement CCUS technologies.
• Develop and optimize bio-based chemicals and renewable energy integration.
• Conduct feasibility studies, simulations, and techno-economic analyses for sustainable projects.
• Collaborate with R&D to scale green technologies from lab to pilot to scale.
• Ensure designs comply with environmental regulations and sustainability targets.
• Mentor engineers and foster innovation in sustainability.

Skills

Chemical engineering

Sustainability

Process simulation

LCA

Team leadership

Education

PhD or Master in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking leader in green chemistry and sustainable industrial solutions, is seeking an innovative Principal Process Engineer with a specialization in Sustainable Technologies to join their fully remote team. This senior role is pivotal in driving the development and implementation of eco-friendly processes and technologies. You will be responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and scaling up processes that minimize environmental impact, reduce waste, and enhance resource efficiency. As a remote-first expert, you will collaborate globally with research, engineering, and operational teams to integrate sustainable practices into the core of our client's business. This position demands a visionary approach, combining strong chemical engineering fundamentals with a passion for environmental stewardship and cutting-edge green technologies. Your work will directly contribute to achieving ambitious sustainability goals and positioning our client at the forefront of the green chemical revolution. This is an opportunity to influence lasting positive change through innovative engineering solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of novel chemical processes focused on sustainability, including waste reduction, circular economy principles, and renewable feedstocks.
• Evaluate and implement technologies for carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS).
• Develop and optimize processes for bio-based chemicals, renewable energy integration, and resource efficiency.
• Conduct feasibility studies, process simulations, and techno-economic analyses for sustainable projects.
• Collaborate with R&D teams to scale up promising green technologies from lab to pilot and commercial scale.
• Ensure all process designs comply with stringent environmental regulations and corporate sustainability targets.
• Identify and implement strategies to reduce water usage, energy consumption, and waste generation in existing operations.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends and advancements in sustainable chemical engineering and green technologies.
• Mentor junior engineers and foster a culture of innovation and environmental responsibility.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and project documentation for internal and external stakeholders.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related field with a focus on sustainability.
• A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in chemical process engineering, with a significant emphasis on sustainable technologies, green chemistry, or environmental process design.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing sustainable chemical processes or technologies (e.g., biorefining, CCUS, waste valorization).
• Strong knowledge of reaction engineering, thermodynamics, separation processes, and life cycle assessment (LCA).
• Proficiency with process simulation software and analytical tools relevant to sustainable processes.
• Excellent understanding of environmental regulations and sustainability metrics.
• Exceptional problem-solving, critical thinking, and strategic planning abilities.
• Superior communication, collaboration, and presentation skills for a remote work environment.
• Experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects from concept to implementation.
• A genuine passion for environmental sustainability and innovation.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and remote work stipend.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Flexible working hours and a focus on remote work-life balance.
• Generous budget for professional development, certifications, and conferences.
• Opportunity to lead impactful projects in sustainable technology development.
• Contribution to a comprehensive remote retirement plan.
• Be part of a globally recognized team driving environmental innovation in the chemical industry.
• A fully remote, collaborative, and mission-driven work environment.