Remote Principal Chemical Engineer - Polymerization

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonus potential

Health insurance

Retirement planning

Paid time off

Professional development allowances

Leadership training

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Chemical Engineer to drive polymerization process development and optimization from a remote setting. You will lead major R&D projects, design reactors, and mentor a global team of engineers.

You will influence technical strategy, collaborate across product development, manufacturing, and marketing, and stay at the forefront of polymer technology through ongoing research and conference participation.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemical Engineering with polymer science specialization.
• 12+ years in chemical engineering, 8+ years in polymerization.
• Led complex R&D projects and delivered innovative solutions.
• Expertise in polymerization reactor modeling and simulation.
• Strong remote collaboration skills.
• Publications or patents a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior leadership for polymerization process development and optimization.
• Lead major R&D projects from concept to commercial implementation.
• Develop and validate advanced polymerization reactor designs and operating strategies.
• Conduct feasibility studies and economic assessments.
• Mentor and guide a team of engineers in a remote setting.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in a virtual environment.
• Stay updated on emerging technologies and market trends in polymers.

Skills

Polymerization kinetics

Reactor design

Leadership

Remote collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

COMSOL

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized leader in advanced materials and polymer science, is seeking an exceptional Principal Chemical Engineer to join their esteemed technical team. This is a fully remote position, offering you the opportunity to leverage your extensive expertise in polymerization processes from anywhere. You will serve as a key technical advisor, driving innovation, leading complex projects, and mentoring junior engineers. The role requires a deep understanding of polymerization kinetics, reactor design, and process optimization. This is a leadership role for a highly experienced professional who excels in a remote work setting and is passionate about pushing the boundaries of polymer technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide senior technical leadership and strategic direction for polymerization process development and optimization.
• Lead major R&D projects, from conceptualization through to commercial implementation.
• Develop and validate advanced polymerization reactor designs and operating strategies.
• Conduct in-depth technical reviews, feasibility studies, and economic assessments.
• Troubleshoot complex process issues and provide innovative solutions.
• Mentor and guide a team of chemical and R&D engineers, fostering technical growth and knowledge sharing.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including product development, manufacturing, and marketing, in a virtual environment.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and market trends in the polymer industry.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering with a specialization in Polymer Science or a related field.
• A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in chemical engineering, with at least 8 years focused on polymerization processes.
• Demonstrated track record of successfully leading complex R&D projects and delivering innovative solutions.
• Expertise in polymerization reactor modeling and simulation (e.g., Aspen Plus, COMSOL).
• Deep understanding of various polymerization techniques (e.g., free radical, condensation, living polymerization).
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, adapted for remote collaboration.
• Proven ability to influence technical strategy and drive decision-making.
• Strong publication record or patent portfolio is a significant asset.

Benefits

• This principal-level remote position offers a highly competitive salary, significant bonus potential, and an outstanding benefits package.
• This includes top-tier health insurance, extensive retirement planning support, generous paid time off, and professional development allowances.
• Our client invests in their senior talent by providing access to cutting-edge research, opportunities to present at international conferences, and leadership training programs.
• This role offers unparalleled autonomy, flexibility, and the chance to shape the future of polymer technology from a remote location.