Remote Lead Chemical Engineer - Specialty Chemicals

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

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work stipend

Flexible working hours

Home office setup support

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Chemical Engineer for a fully remote role based out of George, Western Cape. You will guide development and optimization of novel chemical processes, lead a remote engineering team, and drive major projects from concept to completion.

The ideal candidate holds a Master\'s or PhD in Chemical Engineering with 10+ years of design, scale-up, and optimization experience in specialty chemicals, plus expertise in Aspen Plus or CHEMCAD and strong safety/regulatory

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering required.
• 10+ years of hands-on experience in chemical process design, scale-up and optimization, esp. specialty chemicals.
• Experience leading engineering teams and managing remote projects.
• Proficiency with process simulation software (Aspen Plus, CHEMCAD) and data analysis tools.
• Strong knowledge of reaction kinetics, thermodynamics and separation processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and scale-up of new chemical processes for specialty chemical production.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to a team of chemical engineers and scientists.
• Conduct PHAs and implement robust safety protocols.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources for remote teams.
• Collaborate with R&D to translate laboratory discoveries into industrial processes.
• Optimize existing manufacturing processes to improve yield and reduce waste.

Skills

Process design

Leadership

Remote team leadership

Aspen Plus

Education

Master's degree in Chemical Engineering

PhD in Chemical Engineering

Tools

CHEMCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in specialty chemicals, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Lead Chemical Engineer to join their innovative and fully remote team. This position is based out of George, Western Cape, but operates entirely remotely, offering unparalleled flexibility. The Lead Chemical Engineer will be instrumental in guiding the development and optimization of novel chemical processes, driving research initiatives, and managing complex engineering projects from conception to completion. You will have the opportunity to work with cutting‑edge technologies and collaborate with a diverse, world‑class team, all from the comfort of your home office. This is an exceptional chance to shape the future of chemical engineering with a company that prioritizes sustainability, innovation, and employee empowerment. Your expertise will be key in pushing the boundaries of what's possible in chemical synthesis and production.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and scale‑up of new chemical processes for specialty chemical production.


• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to a team of chemical engineers and scientists.


• Conduct in‑depth process hazard analyses (PHAs) and implement robust safety protocols.


• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources effectively for remote engineering teams.


• Collaborate with R&D departments to translate laboratory discoveries into viable industrial processes.


• Optimize existing manufacturing processes to improve yield, reduce waste, and enhance efficiency.


• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in chemical engineering technologies and best practices.


• Prepare comprehensive technical documentation, including process designs, P&IDs, and operational manuals.


• Facilitate and lead remote team meetings and technical reviews to ensure alignment and progress.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or a closely related field.


• Minimum of 10 years of hands‑on experience in chemical process design, scale‑up, and optimization, with a focus on specialty chemicals.


• Demonstrated experience in leading engineering teams and managing complex projects in a remote setting.


• Expert knowledge of process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, CHEMCAD) and data analysis tools.


• Solid understanding of reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and chemical separation processes.


• Proven track record in process safety, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance.


• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to thrive in a virtual environment.


• Strong project management capabilities and a history of delivering successful outcomes.


• Self‑motivated with exceptional organizational skills and the ability to work autonomously.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary commensurate with experience, a comprehensive remote work stipend, flexible working hours, and significant opportunities for career advancement and professional development.


• We provide a state‑of‑the‑art virtual collaboration platform and support for home office setup.


• This remote position allows you to reside anywhere, with a nominal connection to George, Western Cape, enabling a fantastic work‑life balance.


• Embrace the opportunity to innovate and lead from anywhere in the world with a forward‑thinking company.