Process Chemical Engineer - Sustainable Technologies

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, seeks a senior Process Chemical Engineer to design, optimize, and scale up processes for renewable materials and green chemical production. This role involves a hybrid work model, balancing on-site collaboration with focused independent work.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in reaction engineering, thermodynamics, and separations, plus experience with biomass conversion and green technologies.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering with a specialization in sustainability or bio-process engineering.
• Minimum 6 years of experience in process development and scale-up.
• Strong understanding of reaction engineering, thermodynamics, and separation processes applied to biomass conversion or green chemistry.
• Experience with process simulation and modeling software.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize chemical processes for the production of bio-based chemicals and sustainable materials.
• Conduct feasibility studies, lab-scale experiments, and pilot plant trials for new green technologies.
• Design and specify equipment for processes involving biomass conversion, catalysis, and separation of bio-products.
• Perform process simulations and techno-economic analyses for sustainable chemical production pathways.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges in process scale-up and implementation.
• Ensure processes meet environmental regulations and contribute to carbon footprint reduction goals.
• Collaborate with research scientists, external partners, and manufacturing teams.
• Prepare technical reports, research papers, and project proposals.
• Stay abreast of advancements in green chemistry, biotechnology, and sustainable process engineering.

Skills

Reaction engineering

Thermodynamics

Separation processes

Process simulation software

Techno-economic analysis

Lifecycle assessment

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering (sustainability)

Tools

Process simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering company dedicated to developing sustainable chemical technologies, is seeking a forward-thinking Process Chemical Engineer to join their innovative team in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. This role is integral to designing, optimizing, and scaling up processes for renewable materials and green chemical production. The ideal candidate will have a passion for environmental sustainability and a strong background in chemical process engineering, with an emphasis on novel and eco-friendly methodologies. You will work on projects aimed at reducing environmental impact and creating circular economy solutions. This position involves a hybrid work model, offering a balance between collaborative research and development activities on-site and focused independent work. We are looking for an engineer eager to make a significant contribution to a greener future in the picturesque setting of Stellenbosch, Western Cape.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize chemical processes for the production of bio-based chemicals and sustainable materials.
• Conduct feasibility studies, lab-scale experiments, and pilot plant trials for new green technologies.
• Design and specify equipment for processes involving biomass conversion, catalysis, and separation of bio-products.
• Perform process simulations and techno-economic analyses for sustainable chemical production pathways.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges in process scale-up and implementation.
• Ensure processes meet environmental regulations and contribute to carbon footprint reduction goals.
• Collaborate with research scientists, external partners, and manufacturing teams.
• Prepare technical reports, research papers, and project proposals.
• Stay abreast of advancements in green chemistry, biotechnology, and sustainable process engineering.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or a related field with a specialization in sustainability or bio-process engineering.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in process development and scale-up, preferably in the field of renewable chemicals, biofuels, or sustainable materials.
• Strong understanding of reaction engineering, thermodynamics, and separation processes applied to biomass conversion or green chemistry.
• Experience with process simulation and modeling software.
• Knowledge of lifecycle assessment (LCA) and techno-economic analysis (TEA) is advantageous.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly.
• Proven ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams and manage projects.
• A genuine passion for environmental sustainability and innovative solutions.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance and retirement contributions
• Opportunities for groundbreaking research
• Professional development in the rapidly growing field of sustainable technologies
• Hybrid work arrangement offers excellent work-life balance