Remote Lead Process Development Engineer

Placements24; Klerksdorp; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote-first

Annual bonus

Equity

Medical/dental/vision insurance

Home office stipend

Paid time off

Training sponsorship

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Remote Lead Process Development Engineer to drive development and scale-up of novel chemical processes from lab to commercial scale, all managed remotely.

You will lead engineers and scientists through design, feasibility studies, optimization, and technology transfer, leveraging strong reaction engineering, separations, and process design expertise in a dynamic virtual environment.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering or closely related discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in process development, scale-up, and technology transfer within the chemical industry.
• Proven experience leading cross-functional teams and managing multiple complex projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of process development engineers and chemists in experimental programs.
• Oversee scale-up of new chemical processes from lab to pilot plant and commercial manufacturing.
• Develop PFDs, P&IDs, and mass/energy balances.
• Model and optimize process designs using Aspen Plus/ChemCAD.
• Conduct techno-economic assessments and risk analyses for new technologies.
• Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, and engineering teams to ensure technology transfer.
• Troubleshoot challenges in process development and scale-up.
• Ensure adherence to safety, environmental, and quality standards.

Skills

Chemical reaction engineering

Process design

Separations

Process simulation

Leadership

Remote collaboration

Hazard assessment

Data analysis

Statistical modeling

cGMP awareness

Education

Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

ChemCAD

Statistical software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized leader in specialty chemicals, is expanding its innovation pipeline and seeks a highly experienced Remote Lead Process Development Engineer . This position is crucial for driving the development and scaling of novel chemical processes from laboratory benchtop to pilot and commercial scale, all managed remotely. You will lead a team of talented engineers and scientists, guiding them through the entire process development lifecycle, including conceptual design, feasibility studies, process optimization, and technology transfer. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of chemical reaction engineering, separation technologies, and process intensification, coupled with exceptional leadership and remote collaboration skills. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of chemical manufacturing, working flexibly from your home office and influencing groundbreaking product development. You will be instrumental in bridging the gap between research and manufacturing, ensuring efficient and sustainable production of next‑generation chemical products. The role demands strategic thinking and a hands‑on approach to problem‑solving, all within a dynamic virtual environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of process development engineers and chemists in the design and execution of experimental programs.
• Oversee the scale-up of new chemical processes from laboratory to pilot plant and commercial manufacturing.
• Develop process flow diagrams (PFDs), piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), and mass/energy balances.
• Utilize process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, ChemCAD) to model and optimize process designs.
• Conduct thorough techno-economic assessments and risk analyses for new process technologies.
• Collaborate closely with R&D, manufacturing, and engineering teams to ensure successful technology transfer.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges encountered during process development and scale-up.
• Ensure all process development activities adhere to safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and scientific advancements in chemical process development.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports and present findings to senior management and stakeholders.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in process development, scale-up, and technology transfer within the chemical industry.
• Proven experience leading cross‑functional teams and managing multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Expertise in chemical reaction engineering, separations, and process design.
• Proficiency with process simulation, data analysis, and statistical modeling tools.
• Excellent understanding of process safety principles and hazard assessment techniques.
• Exceptional problem‑solving, analytical, and strategic thinking skills.
• Superior communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, essential for remote leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and foster collaboration in a distributed team setting.
• Experience with cGMP environments is a significant advantage.

Benefits

This is a fully remote position offering unparalleled flexibility. Our client provides a highly competitive salary, a significant annual bonus, and potential for long‑term equity. Comprehensive benefits include top‑tier medical, dental, and vision insurance, an excellent retirement savings plan with employer match, and generous paid time off. We support continuous professional growth through extensive training programs, conference attendance, and advanced degree sponsorship. A home office stipend will be provided for setup and ongoing expenses. Our client fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration within a remote‑first framework, ensuring employees have the resources and autonomy to excel. Join us and lead cutting‑edge process development from anywhere.