Remote Lead Chemical Engineer: Scale-Up & Innovation

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Long-term incentive plan

Professional growth opportunities

Flexible working schedule

Work-life balance and global teamwork

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Lead Chemical Engineer to drive process development and scale-up from bench to commercial production in a remote-first setup. You will lead cross-disciplinary teams, design PFDs/P&IDs, and ensure safe, cost-efficient processes across global manufacturing partners.

The ideal candidate has a PhD or MS in Chemical Engineering, 10+ years in process development, strong SPC/DOE and process simulation skills (Aspen Plus, Chemcad), and proven leadership in remote,

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering.
• 10+ years hands-on experience in process development, scale-up, and commercialization of chemical processes.
• Proven expertise in statistical process control (SPC) and Design of Experiments (DOE).
• Extensive experience with process simulation and modeling software (e.g., Aspen Plus, Chemcad).
• Strong knowledge of unit operations, reaction kinetics, and process safety principles.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, including managing projects and teams.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and proactively in a remote, international team environment.
• Experience in the pharmaceutical or specialty chemicals sector is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the research, development, and scale-up of new chemical processes, from conceptualization to commercial implementation.
• Develop detailed process flow diagrams (PFDs), piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), and mass/energy balances.
• Oversee piloto plant operations and data analysis to validate process designs and identify critical operating parameters.
• Conduct thorough hazard and operability (HAZOP) studies and risk assessments for new and existing processes.
• Select and specify process equipment, ensuring optimal performance, reliability, and safety.
• Collaborate with R&D, engineering disciplines, and manufacturing to ensure smooth technology transfer.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to a team of chemical engineers and technicians.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources effectively for process development initiatives.
• Author and review technical documentation, including proposals, reports, and design specifications.

Job description

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Lead Chemical Engineer to drive process development and scale-up from bench to commercial production in a remote-first setup. You will lead cross-disciplinary teams, design PFDs/P&IDs, and ensure safe, cost-efficient processes across global manufacturing partners.

The ideal candidate has a PhD or MS in Chemical Engineering, 10+ years in process development, strong SPC/DOE and process simulation skills (Aspen Plus, Chemcad), and proven leadership in remote,