Remote Lead Chemical Engineer - R&D Scale-Up & Design

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work flexibility

Health & wellness benefits

Professional development budget

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Chemical Engineer to provide remote support for R&D initiatives near Benoni, Gauteng. You will bridge lab discoveries to pilot-scale feasibility, ensuring robust, scalable, and economically viable processes through design and analysis with cross-location teams.

You will mentor junior engineers, perform mass/energy balances, use Aspen Plus/CHEMCAD, and lead pilot plant trials while identifying safety hazards and preparing technical reports.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master's in Chemical Engineering with emphasis on reaction engineering or process development.
• 8+ years in process development, scale-up, and R&D support in chemical/pharma industries.
• Experience with Aspen Plus/CHEMCAD and data analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and separation processes.
• Pilot plant operations and scale-up methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead the process engineering aspects of R&D projects from concept to pilot-scale validation.
• Develop PFDs and preliminary process designs for new synthesis routes.
• Conduct feasibility studies including mass and energy balances and early economic assessments.
• Utilize process simulation tools to model and evaluate novel processes.
• Collaborate with R&D chemists to optimize reaction conditions.
• Design and oversee pilot plant trials and scale-up recommendations.
• Identify and assess safety hazards for new processes.
• Prepare technical reports and proposals for R&D and management.
• Mentor junior engineers on R&D support projects.
• Stay current with advancements in chemical synthesis and green chemistry.

Skills

Leadership

Remote collaboration

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Ph.D. or MSc in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

CHEMCAD

DoE software

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Chemical Engineer to provide remote support for R&D initiatives near Benoni, Gauteng. You will bridge lab discoveries to pilot-scale feasibility, ensuring robust, scalable, and economically viable processes through design and analysis with cross-location teams.

You will mentor junior engineers, perform mass/energy balances, use Aspen Plus/CHEMCAD, and lead pilot plant trials while identifying safety hazards and preparing technical reports.