Remote Lead Process Design Engineer - Sustainability Focus

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work flexibility

Industry-leading salary

Health & retirement benefits

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Lead Process Design Engineer for a fully remote role available to candidates across South Africa. The position focuses on designing environmentally conscious chemical processes, simulating and optimizing for energy efficiency, and advancing circular economy principles.

The ideal candidate will have 10+ years in chemical process design, expertise in Aspen Plus or UniSim, and a strong commitment to sustainability and remote collaboration with global R&D and

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering with focus on sustainable processes
• 10+ years of progressive experience in chemical process design
• Expertise in process simulation software (Aspen Plus, UniSim) and advanced modeling
• Strong understanding of sustainability metrics, LCA, and green chemistry
• Solid process safety knowledge and regulatory awareness
• Proven remote leadership and collaboration abilities
• PE certification is a plus; highly desirable

Responsibilities

• Lead conceptual and FEED design of sustainable chemical processes
• Develop and run process simulations optimizing energy and resource use
• Incorporate green chemistry and circular economy into designs
• Perform safety assessments (e.g., HAZOP) and ensure compliance
• Mentor remote team of process engineers
• Collaborate with R&D, PM, and international teams
• Evaluate new technologies enhancing sustainability
• Prepare design reports, specs, and feasibility studies
• Stay updated on environmental regulations and trends

Skills

Leadership

Remote teamwork

Communication

Problem solving

Strategic thinking

Sustainability focus

Education

Master's degree in Chemical Engineering

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering

Professional Engineer (PE) certification

Tools

Aspen Plus

UniSim

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in sustainable chemical solutions, is actively seeking an experienced Lead Process Design Engineer for a fully remote position, available to candidates across South Africa. This critical role will spearhead the design and development of innovative, environmentally conscious chemical processes. You will be responsible for conceptualizing, modeling, and optimizing processes with a strong emphasis on reducing environmental impact, improving energy efficiency, and promoting circular economy principles. The ideal candidate is a visionary engineer with extensive experience in process design, simulation, and a deep commitment to sustainability in chemical manufacturing. This is an exceptional opportunity to lead impactful projects from a remote setting, driving the future of green chemistry and sustainable industrial practices globally.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptual and FEED design of chemical processes with a primary focus on sustainability and reduced environmental footprint.
• Develop and execute process simulations to optimize designs for energy efficiency, waste reduction, and resource utilization.
• Incorporate principles of green chemistry and circular economy into process design.
• Perform rigorous safety assessments (e.g., HAZOP) and ensure designs meet stringent environmental and safety standards.
• Mentor and guide a team of process engineers working remotely on sustainability-focused projects.
• Collaborate with R&D, project management, and international operations teams to integrate sustainable designs into full-scale implementation.
• Evaluate and champion new technologies and methodologies that enhance process sustainability.
• Prepare detailed design reports, technical specifications, and economic feasibility studies for sustainable processes.
• Stay abreast of evolving environmental regulations and sustainability trends in the chemical industry worldwide.
• Drive innovation in process design to achieve ambitious corporate sustainability goals.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering with a specialization or strong focus on sustainable processes, environmental engineering, or related fields.
• Over 10 years of progressive experience in chemical process design, with a proven track record in leading complex projects.
• Demonstrated expertise in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, UniSim) and advanced modeling techniques.
• In-depth understanding of sustainability metrics, life cycle assessment (LCA), and green chemistry principles.
• Strong knowledge of process safety management and environmental regulations.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and collaboration skills for effective remote teamwork.
• Proven ability to innovate and implement sustainable solutions.
• Strategic thinking and advanced problem-solving capabilities.
• Experience in remote project leadership and management.
• Professional Engineer (PE) or equivalent certification is highly desirable.

Benefits

Our client offers an industry-leading salary, extensive remote work flexibility from anywhere in South Africa, and a comprehensive benefits package including health, wellness, and retirement benefits. This role provides the unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge sustainable technologies and make a significant positive impact on global environmental challenges. You will be part of a forward-thinking organization committed to innovation and employee development, with ample opportunities for professional growth in the exciting field of sustainable chemical engineering, working from your chosen location near Upington, Northern Cape or elsewhere in SA.