Remote Lead Chemical Engineer - Polymer Synthesis

Placements24; George; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonuses

Remote health benefits

Generous PTO

Flexible schedule

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a visionary Remote Lead Chemical Engineer to spearhead our polymer synthesis division. This fully remote role offers flexibility and autonomy to design, scale up novel polymer materials from home office, leading a team of engineers and scientists across time zones.

The ideal candidate has a Ph.D. or Master’s in Chemical Engineering or Polymer Science, 10+ years in polymer synthesis, and proven remote leadership.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master's in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or related field.
• 10+ years in chemical engineering focusing on polymer synthesis.
• Proven experience leading technical teams, preferably remote.
• Expertise in polymerization techniques: free radical, anionic, cationic, condensation.
• Experience with process modeling and polymer production tools.
• Strong knowledge of polymer properties and processing.
• Excellent remote communication and collaboration skills.
• Experience managing R&D projects from concept to commercialization.
• Familiarity with polymer characterization techniques (GPC, NMR, DSC, TGA).
• Proficient in project management methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D of new polymer synthesis processes and formulations.
• Oversee lab and pilot-scale experiments for polymer production.
• Mentor a team of chemical engineers and scientists.
• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes for cost-efficiency and scalability.
• Collaborate with R&D, product development and manufacturing across time zones.
• Ensure safety, environmental and regulatory compliance.
• Publish and review technical reports, patents, and publications.
• Present findings to senior management.
• Drive continuous improvement in polymer synthesis.
• Manage remote project timelines, budgets and resources.

Skills

Leadership

Remote collaboration

Project management

Communication

Education

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering

M.S. in Chemical Engineering/Polymer Science

Tools

Process modeling

GPC

NMR

DSC

TGA

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized leader in advanced materials and specialty chemicals, is seeking a visionary Remote Lead Chemical Engineer to spearhead our polymer synthesis division. This pivotal role is 100% remote, offering unparalleled flexibility and autonomy. You will be instrumental in driving innovation and excellence in the design, development, and scale-up of novel polymer materials from your home office. This position demands a deep understanding of polymer chemistry, reaction engineering, and process scale-up. You will lead a team of talented engineers and scientists, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional leadership qualities, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and a proven ability to deliver impactful results in a virtual environment. This role is based remotely, allowing you to contribute significantly without geographical constraints.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the research and development of new polymer synthesis processes and formulations.
• Oversee the design and execution of laboratory and pilot-scale experiments for polymer production.
• Manage and mentor a team of chemical engineers and scientists, fostering their professional growth.
• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes for cost-efficiency, scalability, and sustainability.
• Collaborate closely with R&D, product development, and manufacturing teams across different time zones.
• Ensure all development activities comply with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Author and review technical reports, patent applications, and research publications.
• Present findings and project updates to senior management and stakeholders.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the polymer synthesis domain.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resource allocation effectively for remote projects.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in chemical engineering, with a strong specialization in polymer synthesis and characterization.
• Proven experience in leading and managing technical teams, preferably in a remote setting.
• In-depth knowledge of polymerization techniques (e.g., free radical, anionic, cationic, condensation).
• Experience with process modeling and simulation tools relevant to polymer production.
• Strong understanding of polymer properties and their relationship to synthesis and processing.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, essential for remote collaboration.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex R&D projects from concept to commercialization.
• Familiarity with analytical techniques for polymer characterization (e.g., GPC, NMR, DSC, TGA).
• Proficiency in project management methodologies.

Benefits

• Our client provides a highly competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and comprehensive health and wellness benefits, all managed remotely.
• We offer generous paid time off and a flexible work schedule to support a healthy work-life balance.
• Professional development opportunities include access to online training, virtual conferences, and support for continuing education.

You will be part of a forward-thinking organization that values innovation and employee well-being, with the unique advantage of working from anywhere.

This fully remote position is ideal for seasoned professionals seeking impactful work with ultimate flexibility.