Principal Research & Development Chemical Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Industry-leading compensation

Comprehensive health benefits

Generous retirement contributions

R&D project bonuses

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Research & Development Chemical Engineer to lead advanced R&D initiatives in Pretoria, Gauteng. The role combines laboratory work with strategy, collaboration, and mentoring in a hybrid setup, enabling focused innovation and scalable technologies.

You will drive process development, apply high-level modeling, and guide projects from lab to pilot plant, shaping next-generation chemical products and processes for industrial deployment.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemical Engineering with strong R&D focus.
• 12+ years in chemical R&D, including process development.
• Track record of bringing products or processes to commercialization.
• Leadership and ability to mentor junior staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage R&D projects from concept to pilot-scale validation.
• Design experiments to develop and optimize new synthesis routes and processing.
• Use modeling and simulation tools to predict process behavior.
• Analyze data, interpret results, and generate technical reports.
• Collaborate with marketing, manufacturing, and partners on scale-up.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to the team.
• Identify emerging technologies aligned with strategy.
• Ensure safety, health, and environmental compliance.
• Contribute to IP through disclosures and patent apps.
• Present findings at internal reviews and external conferences.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Education

PhD in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Custom Modeler

gPROMS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering force in specialty chemicals, is seeking a highly innovative and experienced Principal Research & Development Chemical Engineer to join their advanced R&D center in Pretoria, Gauteng . This senior role involves leading cutting-edge research projects, developing novel chemical processes, and translating laboratory discoveries into commercially viable technologies. You will be instrumental in driving the company's innovation pipeline, working at the forefront of chemical science and engineering. This hybrid position allows for focused research and development in our state‑of-the‑art facilities, complemented by the flexibility of remote work for data analysis and reporting. If you possess a strong research background, a passion for innovation, and the ability to lead complex technical challenges, this role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of the chemical industry. Your contributions will be key to developing next‑generation products and enhancing existing manufacturing capabilities through scientific excellence and engineering ingenuity.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage R&D projects from conceptualization through to pilot-scale validation.
• Design and conduct experiments to develop and optimize new chemical synthesis routes and process technologies.
• Utilize advanced modeling and simulation tools to predict process behavior and performance.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and generate comprehensive technical reports.
• Collaborate with marketing, manufacturing, and external partners to define product requirements and scale-up strategies.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior R&D engineers and scientists.
• Identify and evaluate emerging technologies and scientific advancements relevant to the company's strategic interests.
• Ensure all R&D activities comply with safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Contribute to the intellectual property portfolio through invention disclosures and patent applications.
• Present research findings at internal reviews and external scientific conferences.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or a closely related field with a strong emphasis on R&D.
• 12+ years of experience in chemical research and development, with a significant portion in process development.
• Demonstrated success in bringing new chemical products or processes from concept to commercialization.
• Expertise in various chemical reaction engineering, separation technologies, and process intensification methods.
• Proficiency in advanced simulation software (e.g., Aspen Custom Modeler, gPROMS) and statistical analysis tools.
• Excellent leadership, project management, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a hybrid remote and on-site environment.
• Strong publication record or patent history is highly desirable.
• Experience with scale-up challenges and pilot plant operations.
• Creative thinking and a passion for scientific discovery.

Benefits

Our client offers an industry-leading compensation package, comprehensive health benefits, generous retirement contributions, and substantial R&D project bonuses. This hybrid role provides flexibility, combining advanced laboratory work at our Pretoria, Gauteng facility with remote flexibility for analysis and reporting. We foster a culture of innovation, providing access to cutting‑edge equipment and fostering collaboration with world‑class researchers. Further benefits include ample paid time off, extensive professional development funding, and opportunities for international travel to conferences and collaborations. You will be part of a company committed to pushing the boundaries of chemical innovation and rewarding the contributions of its talented R&D team.