Remote Principal Chemical Engineer - Plant Design

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 2,490,000 - 3,485,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement savings plan

Professional development allowance

Work from anywhere

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Principal Chemical Engineer to lead the conceptual and detailed design of chemical processing plants in a remote-first role. You will drive PFDs, P&IDs, equipment specs, and PHAs, coordinating with global teams to ensure technical integrity and cost-effectiveness.

The role demands independent work, exceptional design skills, and clear remote communication, with adherence to ASME/API standards and capital project lifecycles.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering from an accredited university.
• Minimum of 10 years of chemical plant design and engineering experience.
• Extensive experience in developing PFDs, P&IDs, and equipment specifications.
• Proficiency in process simulation software such as HYSYS or Aspen Plus.
• Strong knowledge of relevant engineering codes and standards.
• Ability to work independently in a remote setting.

Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptual and detailed design of chemical processing plants, including PFDs and P&IDs development.
• Perform mass and energy balance calculations, process simulations, and equipment sizing.
• Develop comprehensive equipment specifications for reactors, heat exchangers, pumps, columns, and other process equipment.
• Conduct process hazard analyses (PHAs) and risk assessments for new designs.
• Ensure designs meet all relevant industry codes, standards (e.g., ASME, API), and client specifications.
• Collaborate virtually with multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation engineers.
• Provide technical oversight and guidance to junior engineers and designers working remotely.
• Review vendor proposals and drawings to ensure compliance with design requirements.
• Manage design aspects of projects to ensure on-time and within-budget delivery.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of design standards and methodologies.

Skills

Independent work

Communication

Remote collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Master's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

HYSYS

Aspen Plus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally renowned engineering consultancy specializing in industrial facilities, is seeking a highly experienced and self-motivated Principal Chemical Engineer to join their remote workforce. This position is focused entirely on the conceptual and detailed design of chemical processing plants, requiring a deep understanding of unit operations, process flow diagrams (PFDs), piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), and equipment specification. As a remote-first role, you will collaborate extensively with project teams, clients, and vendors through advanced digital collaboration tools. You will be responsible for leading design efforts, ensuring technical integrity, cost-effectiveness, and compliance with international engineering standards. The ideal candidate thrives in an independent work environment, possesses exceptional design skills, and can effectively communicate complex technical information remotely. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to significant projects from anywhere, making it a truly remote position.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptual and detailed design of chemical processing plants, including PFDs and P&IDs development.
• Perform mass and energy balance calculations, process simulations, and equipment sizing.
• Develop comprehensive equipment specifications for reactors, heat exchangers, pumps, columns, and other process equipment.
• Conduct process hazard analyses (PHAs) and risk assessments for new designs.
• Ensure designs meet all relevant industry codes, standards (e.g., ASME, API), and client specifications.
• Collaborate virtually with multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation engineers.
• Provide technical oversight and guidance to junior engineers and designers working remotely.
• Review vendor proposals and drawings to ensure compliance with design requirements.
• Manage design aspects of projects to ensure on-time and within-budget delivery.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of design standards and methodologies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering from an accredited university.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in chemical plant design and engineering.
• Extensive experience in developing PFDs, P&IDs, and equipment specifications.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., HYSYS, Aspen Plus).
• Thorough knowledge of relevant engineering codes and standards.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage multiple design tasks effectively in a remote setting.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, adapted for remote interaction.
• Experience with process safety management and risk assessment techniques.
• Strong understanding of capital project execution lifecycles.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, flexible working hours, and the ability to work from anywhere.
• We provide a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, a retirement savings plan, and an annual professional development allowance.
• You'll have the opportunity to work on diverse and challenging projects for a global clientele, supported by a collaborative and technologically advanced remote work infrastructure.
• Join our forward-thinking consultancy and shape the future of chemical plant design from your own home.