Remote Lead Chemical Engineer - R&D Support

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

About the Role

Our client, a highly respected research and development-focused chemical company, is seeking an experienced Lead Chemical Engineer to provide remote support to their R&D initiatives, particularly those supporting operations near **Benoni, Gauteng**. This role is focused on bridging the gap between laboratory-scale discoveries and pilot-plant feasibility, ensuring that new chemical processes are robust, scalable, and economically viable. You will play a key role in conceptualizing, designing, and analyzing processes, working closely with R&D scientists and pilot plant engineers. The position is fully remote, requiring a proactive, self-disciplined engineer with exceptional communication skills to collaborate effectively with teams across different locations. This is an opportunity to influence cutting-edge chemical product development from a distance, contributing significantly to innovation for industries served by the **Benoni** region.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the process engineering aspects of R&D projects, from concept to pilot scale validation.
• Develop process flow diagrams (PFDs) and preliminary process designs for new chemical synthesis routes.
• Conduct feasibility studies, including mass and energy balances, and preliminary economic assessments.
• Utilize process simulation tools to model and evaluate novel processes.
• Collaborate closely with R&D chemists and scientists to understand reaction mechanisms and optimize conditions.
• Design and oversee pilot plant trials, analyze results, and provide recommendations for scale-up.
• Identify and assess potential safety hazards associated with new processes.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and project proposals for R&D and management.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers involved in R&D support projects.
• Stay current with advancements in chemical synthesis, process intensification, and green chemistry.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering with a strong focus on reaction engineering or process development.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in process development, scale-up, and R&D support within the chemical or pharmaceutical industry.
• Proven expertise in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, CHEMCAD) and data analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of chemical reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and separation processes.
• Experience with pilot plant operations and scale-up methodologies.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, effective for remote collaboration.
• Demonstrated leadership ability and experience mentoring junior engineers.
• Ability to manage multiple R&D projects simultaneously in a remote setting.
• Familiarity with experimental design (DoE) is highly desirable.

Benefits

• A highly competitive annual salary of ZAR , reflecting leadership and advanced expertise.
• Complete remote work flexibility, enabling a global or national work arrangement.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package.
• Significant budget for professional development, conferences, and training.
• Opportunity to work on groundbreaking R&D projects with global impact.
• Contribute to innovative advancements supporting industries relevant to **Benoni**.