Remote Chemical Process Optimization Engineer

Placements24; Rustenburg; Remote; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remote salary

Comprehensive health insurance

Generous annual leave

Home office setup allowance

Professional development opportunities

Pension fund contribution

Job summary

Placements24 in South Africa seeks a highly skilled Remote Chemical Process Optimization Engineer to improve efficiency, yield, and safety of chemical manufacturing through data analysis and advanced modeling.

You will collaborate remotely with on-site engineers, use Aspen Plus or HYSYS, apply AI-driven optimization, and develop SOPs. A Master’s is preferred and 7+ years in process optimization is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering required; Master's preferred.
• 7+ years in chemical process engineering with optimization focus.
• Experience with process simulation and statistical tools.
• Strong remote collaboration and self-management skills.
• Familiarity with SCADA/DCS and historian systems is a plus.
• Experience with Python or R for data analysis is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Analyze complex process data to identify inefficiencies and bottlenecks.
• Develop and implement advanced process control strategies to optimize yield and energy use.
• Use process simulation and modeling software to test optimization scenarios.
• Collaborate remotely with plant engineers and operators to implement solutions.
• Design and execute virtual experiments and sensitivity analyses.
• Develop and maintain documentation of process improvements and best practices.
• Monitor KPIs and report performance trends.
• Identify opportunities for AI and machine learning in optimization.
• Provide remote technical support for process troubleshooting.
• Contribute to SOP development for optimized processes.

Skills

Process optimization

Data analysis

Remote collaboration

Python

Machine learning

Education

Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering

Master's preferred

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

Minitab

JMP

SCADA

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering firm in sustainable chemical solutions, is seeking a dedicated Remote Chemical Process Optimization Engineer to join their innovative operations. This is a fully remote position, allowing you to contribute your expertise from anywhere within South Africa. The core focus of this role is to enhance the efficiency, yield, and safety of our existing chemical manufacturing processes through advanced data analysis and modeling techniques. You will work closely with on-site engineering teams, leveraging digital tools and remote collaboration platforms to drive improvements. This position is ideal for a highly motivated and self-directed chemical engineer who thrives in a virtual environment and possesses a strong aptitude for identifying and implementing data-driven optimization strategies. You will play a key part in our mission to reduce operational costs and environmental impact through intelligent process enhancement. The role is designed for maximum flexibility, enabling effective contribution regardless of your physical location.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze complex process data to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement.
• Develop and implement advanced process control strategies to optimize yield, throughput, and energy consumption.
• Utilize process simulation and modeling software to test optimization scenarios and predict outcomes.
• Collaborate remotely with plant engineers and operators to understand process challenges and implement solutions.
• Design and execute virtual experiments and sensitivity analyses.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation of process improvements and best practices.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and provide regular reports on process performance trends.
• Identify opportunities for leveraging digital technologies, AI, and machine learning in process optimization.
• Provide remote technical support and guidance for process troubleshooting.
• Contribute to the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for optimized processes.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field. A Master's degree is advantageous.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in chemical process engineering, with a significant focus on process optimization and data analysis.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS) and statistical analysis tools (e.g., Minitab, JMP).
• Strong understanding of control theory and advanced process control (APC) concepts.
• Demonstrated experience in analyzing large datasets and deriving actionable insights.
• Excellent remote collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
• Familiarity with SCADA, DCS, and historian systems is a plus.
• Experience with Python or R for data analysis and modeling is highly desirable.
• A proactive mindset towards problem-solving and continuous improvement.
• Must be able to effectively work from a remote location.

Benefits

• Competitive remote salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive health insurance plan.
• Generous annual leave and flexible working hours.
• Allowance for home office setup and internet connectivity.
• Opportunities for professional development and online training.
• Pension fund contribution.
• Access to cutting-edge remote work technologies and collaboration tools.
• Annual performance-based bonuses.
• A culture that supports innovation and remote work excellence.
• Paid time off for volunteering activities.