Remote Lead Process Engineer - Specialty Chemicals

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Annual bonus

Medical coverage

Retirement plan

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Remote Lead Process Engineer for a nationwide, fully remote role in South Africa. You will lead a team of engineers to design, optimize, and scale specialty chemical processes from lab breakthroughs to production.

The ideal candidate has a PhD or MSc in Chemical Engineering, 10+ years in process engineering, and a proven track record in remote team leadership, PFDs, P&IDs, and HAZOP.

Qualifications

• Requires MSc or PhD in Chemical Engineering.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of process engineers in design, development, and optimization.
• Oversee process development from concept to pilot scale and commercialization.
• Ensure safe, efficient, cost-effective, environmentally sound processes.
• Review PFDs, P&IDs, mass/energy balances, and equipment specs.
• Conduct hazard analyses (HAZOP) and risk assessments.
• Facilitate tech transfer from R&D to manufacturing and scale-up.
• Provide expert troubleshooting and remote technical guidance.
• Manage timelines, resources, and budgets in a remote setting.
• Foster proactive remote leadership and high-performance culture.
• Stay current with emerging tech and best practices.

Skills

Remote leadership

Project management

Process engineering

Hazard analyses

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and innovative specialty chemicals company, is seeking an experienced Remote Lead Process Engineer to drive the development and optimization of advanced chemical manufacturing processes. This critical leadership role, operating entirely remotely, involves guiding a team of engineers, overseeing process design, scale-up, and troubleshooting activities for a range of novel chemical products. The ideal candidate will possess extensive expertise in chemical process engineering, strong project management skills, and a proven ability to lead and mentor engineers in a virtual environment. You will play a pivotal role in translating laboratory breakthroughs into robust, scalable, and commercially viable production methods, contributing significantly to the company's growth and technological advancement. This position offers the flexibility to work from anywhere within South Africa, empowering you to contribute to groundbreaking chemical innovations while maintaining an optimal work-life balance. Emphasis will be placed on clear communication and proactive team management.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of process engineers in the design, development, and optimization of specialty chemical manufacturing processes.
• Oversee the execution of process development projects from conceptualization through pilot scale and commercialization support.
• Ensure the development of safe, efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally sound chemical processes.
• Review and approve process design documents, including PFDs, P&IDs, mass/energy balances, and equipment specifications.
• Conduct and guide hazard analyses (e.g., HAZOP) and risk assessments for new and modified processes.
• Facilitate effective technology transfer from R&D to manufacturing, ensuring smooth scale-up.
• Provide expert technical guidance and troubleshooting support for complex process challenges.
• Manage project timelines, resources, and budgets effectively in a remote setting.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performance team culture through proactive remote leadership.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and industry best practices in specialty chemical manufacturing.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering with a strong emphasis on process design and scale-up.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in chemical process engineering, with significant exposure to specialty chemicals.
• At least 3 years of experience in a lead or supervisory role, managing engineering teams.
• Proven track record in developing and scaling up complex chemical processes.
• Expertise in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS) and advanced process control strategies.
• In-depth knowledge of process safety management (PSM) principles and hazard analysis techniques.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills tailored for remote team management.
• Demonstrated ability to drive innovation, solve complex problems, and make sound technical decisions.
• Strong project management capabilities and experience managing multiple concurrent projects.
• Proficient with virtual collaboration tools and remote work best practices.

Benefits

• This remote role offers a highly competitive salary, annual performance bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package, including top-tier medical coverage and a generous retirement fund.
• Opportunities for advanced training, professional development, and participation in international conferences are provided.
• The flexibility of working remotely allows for an exceptional work-life balance, empowering you to manage your work and personal life effectively.
• Our client values innovation, collaboration, and employee growth, offering a dynamic and supportive virtual work environment.