Remote Lead Process Engineer - Water Treatment & Sustainability

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Remote-first work model

Home office equipment allowance

Professional development & conferences

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Process Engineer to design and implement advanced water treatment systems for clients worldwide. This remote role requires leadership in process engineering, water chemistry, membrane technologies, and sustainability.

You will guide project teams, manage client relationships, and ensure technical excellence across multiple projects with a focus on RO, UF, NF and desalination processes.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in a relevant engineering field.
• At least 10 years in process engineering focusing on water treatment/desalination.
• Proven experience with process design, simulations, and P&ID development.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of water treatment processes from concept to detailed engineering.
• Use process simulation tools to optimize efficiency and resource recovery.
• Manage multiple projects, ensuring on-time delivery and budget control.
• Collaborate with clients to define needs and provide expert technical guidance.
• Develop PFDs and P&IDs, equipment specs, and operating procedures for plants.
• Oversee pilot studies, plant commissioning, and start-up activities.
• Ensure designs meet environmental, safety, and regulatory standards.
• Stay updated on emerging water treatment technologies and sustainability.
• Mentor junior engineers within a remote team.

Skills

Process engineering

Water treatment

Desalination

Wastewater management

Process optimization

Leadership

Education

Master's degree in Chemical Engineering

Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering

Tools

Aspen HYSYS

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a forward-thinking environmental solutions company specializing in advanced water treatment technologies and sustainable industrial practices. They are seeking a highly experienced Lead Process Engineer to join their fully remote team. This role is instrumental in designing, developing, and implementing innovative water treatment processes and systems for industrial clients worldwide. As a remote-first organization, we offer maximum flexibility and the opportunity to contribute from your preferred location. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in process engineering, with specialized expertise in water chemistry, membrane technologies, desalination, wastewater treatment, and process optimization for sustainability. You will lead project teams, manage client relationships, and drive the technical excellence of our solutions. This position requires exceptional leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, enabling you to thrive in an autonomous and collaborative virtual environment. Join us in making a significant positive impact on global water resources and industrial sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of water treatment and process systems, from conceptualization to detailed engineering.
• Utilize process simulation software to model and optimize water treatment processes, focusing on efficiency and resource recovery.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring successful delivery on time and within budget.
• Collaborate closely with clients to understand their needs and provide expert technical consultation.
• Develop PFDs, P&IDs, equipment specifications, and operating procedures for water treatment plants.
• Oversee pilot studies and full-scale plant commissioning and start-up.
• Ensure all designs comply with relevant environmental regulations, industry standards, and safety protocols.
• Stay current with emerging technologies in water treatment, desalination, and sustainability.
• Mentor and guide junior process engineers and technical staff within the remote team structure.
• Conduct technical reviews and provide expert analysis on water treatment challenges.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in process engineering, with significant expertise in water treatment, wastewater management, and desalination technologies.
• Proven experience with process design, simulation (e.g., Aspen Water, HYSYS), and P&ID development.
• Strong understanding of water chemistry, membrane processes (RO, UF, NF), ion exchange, and advanced oxidation processes.
• Demonstrated experience in managing complex engineering projects and leading technical teams.
• Excellent client-facing communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and deliver high-quality results in a remote setting.
• Knowledge of sustainability principles and resource efficiency in industrial applications.
• Proficiency in relevant engineering software and project management tools.
• Experience with process safety management and risk assessment is highly desirable.

Benefits

Our client offers an industry-leading salary, comprehensive health benefits, and a generous retirement savings plan. This fully remote position provides unparalleled flexibility and work-life balance. We provide a substantial allowance for home office equipment and continuous professional development, including access to specialized training, conferences, and certifications. Opportunities for leadership and career growth within a rapidly expanding, impacting organization are abundant. Our client is committed to diversity and inclusion, welcoming talent from all backgrounds. Join a mission-driven company that is shaping a more sustainable future for water resources worldwide, offering you the chance to make a difference from anywhere.