Remote Principal Chemical Engineer - Petrochemicals Leader

Placements24; Pretoria; Remote; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Performance-based bonuses

Professional development and training

Job summary

Placements24 has an opportunity for a Principal Chemical Engineer - Petrochemicals to join our client's technical division. This remote role with occasional travel to Centurion, Gauteng, demands deep expertise in petrochemical processes, catalysis, and plant operations.

You will guide complex engineering challenges and shape the technology roadmap at scale. The ideal candidate holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering with 12–15 years of experience, demonstrated leadership, and a proven record in

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemical Engineering with specialization in petrochemicals.
• 12–15 years of petrochemical industry experience with complex design and operations.
• Leadership in technical problem-solving and project management.
• Exposure to refining processes, steam cracking, polymerization, and related technologies.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical consultation on petrochemical process engineering, design, operation, and optimization.
• Lead high-impact projects focused on process intensification, energy efficiency, and sustainability.
• Develop and implement advanced process control strategies for complex units.
• Conduct in-depth technical reviews and risk assessments for new projects and existing operations.
• Mentor and guide senior and junior engineers, fostering a high-performance technical team.
• Contribute to strategic planning and technology roadmap for petrochemical assets.
• Research and evaluate new technologies and catalysts relevant to petrochemical production.
• Interact with regulatory bodies and industry consortia as a subject matter expert.
• Troubleshoot and resolve exceptionally challenging technical issues affecting plant performance.
• Prepare and deliver high-level technical presentations to senior management and stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Process design

Catalysis

Communication

Project management

Strategic thinking

Mentoring

Education

PhD in Chemical Engineering

PE registration eligible

Job description

Placements24 has an opportunity for a Principal Chemical Engineer - Petrochemicals to join our client's technical division. This remote role with occasional travel to Centurion, Gauteng, demands deep expertise in petrochemical processes, catalysis, and plant operations.

You will guide complex engineering challenges and shape the technology roadmap at scale. The ideal candidate holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering with 12–15 years of experience, demonstrated leadership, and a proven record in