Remote Chemical Process Development Lead

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses

Stock options

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Remote work flexibility

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Remote Chemical Process Development Lead to steer innovation from a home office. You will lead end-to-end development of new chemical processes, from feasibility to pilot testing and commercialization, while guiding a remote team of engineers and scientists.

You should hold a PhD or Master in Chemical Engineering with 10+ years in process R&D, strong expertise in Aspen Plus, gPROMS, and DoE, and demonstrate exceptional leadership and communication for virtual

Qualifications

• PhD or Master in Chemical Engineering or closely related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in chemical process R&D with scale-up.
• Experience leading complex process development projects.
• Expertise in process simulation software and DoE.
• Leadership of remote technical teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end development of new/improved chemical processes to scale-up and commercial readiness.
• Design and oversee lab- and pilot-scale experiments to validate concepts and optimize parameters.
• Use process modeling tools to predict and enhance performance.
• Develop process documentation (PFDs, P&IDs, mass/energy balances, hazard assessments).
• Collaborate with R&D chemists and managers for tech transfer and project execution.
• Mentor remote team of engineers and scientists.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies in chemical process development.
• Ensure safety, environmental, and regulatory standards are met.
• Communicate project status and recommendations to senior management.

Skills

Leadership

Remote team management

Chemical process development

Analytical thinking

Verbal and written communication

Education

PhD in Chemical Engineering

Master’s in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

gPROMS

DoE (Design of Experiments)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a cutting-edge global chemical research and development firm, is seeking an experienced and visionary Remote Chemical Process Development Lead to steer innovation from the comfort of your home office. This is a fully remote position, offering unparalleled flexibility while demanding high levels of autonomy and leadership. You will spearhead the development of novel chemical processes, from conceptualization and lab-scale validation through to pilot testing and commercialization strategies. Your expertise will be critical in driving efficiency, sustainability, and scalability in our next generation of chemical products. The ideal candidate possesses a profound understanding of chemical engineering principles, a history of successful process development, and exceptional leadership skills, capable of guiding teams and projects effectively in a virtual environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end development of new and improved chemical processes, from feasibility studies to scale-up and commercial readiness.
• Design and oversee laboratory and pilot-scale experiments to validate process concepts and optimize operating parameters.
• Utilize advanced process modeling and simulation tools to predict and enhance process performance.
• Develop comprehensive process documentation, including PFDs, P&IDs, mass and energy balances, and hazard assessments.
• Collaborate closely with R&D chemists, project managers, and external partners to ensure seamless technology transfer and project execution.
• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to a remote team of process engineers and scientists.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and innovative approaches in chemical process development.
• Ensure all process development activities adhere to stringent safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Effectively communicate project status, technical findings, and strategic recommendations to senior management.

Requirements

• PhD or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or a closely related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in chemical process research and development, with a strong focus on scale-up and commercialization.
• Demonstrated success in leading and executing complex process development projects.
• Expertise in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, gPROMS) and statistical design of experiments (DoE).
• Deep knowledge of reaction engineering, separation technologies, and process intensification.
• Proven leadership capabilities, with experience managing and motivating remote technical teams.
• Exceptional analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, essential for effective remote collaboration.
• Proven ability to work independently, manage priorities, and deliver results in a remote setting.

Benefits

This fully remote role offers a highly competitive salary, generous performance-based bonuses, stock options, and an extensive benefits package including premium health insurance, life assurance, and a robust retirement savings plan. The primary benefit is the complete flexibility to work from home, coupled with opportunities for international travel for key team meetings and conferences. Our client invests heavily in employee growth, providing access to cutting-edge training, virtual workshops, and challenging projects that drive scientific and technological advancements in the chemical industry.