Remote Chemical Process Development Engineer

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonuses

Comprehensive benefits package

Remote work flexibility

Job summary

Placements24 in South Africa seeks a talented Chemical Process Development Engineer to join a fully remote team supporting Vereeniging, Gauteng operations. The role translates lab discoveries into scalable industrial processes with a strong focus on cost efficiency and sustainability.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in process development, pilot plant experience, and proficiency in Aspen HYSYS or ChemCAD. Remote collaboration is essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering.
• 5+ years in chemical process development, scale-up, and optimization.
• Experience with pilot plant operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead process development and scale-up from lab to pilot and commercial scale.
• Design experiments to optimize parameters, yield, and safety.
• Conduct process simulations and techno-economic assessments.
• Develop PFDs, P&IDs, and equipment specs for process design.
• Troubleshoot challenges in process development and scale-up.
• Ensure adherence to safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, and project teams remotely.
• Prepare reports and presentations on findings.
• Stay updated with new technologies in chemical process engineering.

Skills

Chemical Engineering

Process optimization

Project management

Remote collaboration

Team leadership

Education

Master's degree in Chemical Engineering

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen HYSYS

ChemCAD

Minitab

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking chemical innovation firm, is seeking a talented Chemical Process Development Engineer to join their fully remote team, supporting operations associated with **Vereeniging, Gauteng**. This role is crucial for translating laboratory-scale discoveries into robust, scalable, and economically viable industrial chemical processes. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in chemical engineering principles, hands‑on experience in process optimization, and a passion for sustainable development. You will be working on exciting new product development projects, collaborating with a global team of scientists and engineers. The fully remote nature of this position offers unparalleled flexibility and the opportunity to contribute from your preferred location, while still being an integral part of our client's success in **Vereeniging, Gauteng**. This is a fantastic opportunity to drive innovation and make a tangible impact on the development of next‑generation chemical technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the process development and scale-up of new chemical synthesis routes from lab to pilot and commercial scale.
• Design and execute experiments to optimize process parameters, yield, purity, and safety.
• Conduct detailed process simulations and techno-economic assessments for new and existing processes.
• Develop PFDs, P&IDs, and equipment specifications for process design.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges encountered during process development and scale-up.
• Ensure all process development activities adhere to safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate effectively with R&D, manufacturing, and project management teams in a remote setting.
• Prepare comprehensive reports, technical documentation, and presentations on process development findings.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and methodologies in chemical process engineering.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering.
• 5+ years of experience in chemical process development, scale-up, and optimization, preferably in fine or specialty chemicals.
• Proven experience with pilot plant operations and troubleshooting.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen HYSYS, ChemCAD) and statistical analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of reaction engineering, separation processes, and thermodynamics.
• Experience with Process Safety Management (PSM) principles.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, essential for remote collaboration.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work independently.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package, performance bonuses, and significant opportunities for professional growth and advancement. This fully remote role provides the ultimate flexibility, with a strategic connection to **Vereeniging, Gauteng**. Enjoy a stimulating work environment focused on innovation, sustainability, and cutting-edge chemical technology development. Embrace the chance to shape the future of chemical manufacturing from anywhere.