Remote Principal Chemical Engineer - Process Design & Simulation

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Remote work with global teams

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Chemical Engineer to lead advanced process design and simulation programs for international projects in a remote-first setup. You will develop sophisticated models, drive feasibility studies, and guide teams across multiple time zones.

The role requires 10+ years in chemical process design, strong expertise with Aspen Plus, HYSYS or CHEMCAD, and a proven track record mentoring engineers. Remote work enables global collaboration and innovative project delivery.

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Chemical Engineering highly preferred.
• BEng/BSc with extensive relevant experience considered.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and optimization of complex chemical processes using advanced simulation tools.
• Develop and validate rigorous process models for feasibility, debottlenecking and scale-up.
• Provide mentorship to junior engineers on process design and simulation methods.
• Collaborate with global teams including R&D, project management, and operations.
• Prepare technical reports, design packages and proposals for clients and internal stakeholders.
• Stay updated on process simulation tech and implement new tools.
• Conduct techno-economic analyses to assess viability of designs.
• Ensure safety, environmental impact and efficiency in all designs.
• Manage project timelines and deliverables in a remote setup.
• Promote best practices in process modelling and simulation across the organization.

Skills

Process simulation

Dynamic modelling

Technical mentoring

Remote collaboration

Data analysis

Education

MSc/PhD in Chemical Engineering

BEng/BSc with extensive experience

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

CHEMCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in chemical technology solutions, is seeking a highly experienced Principal Chemical Engineer to join their esteemed team on a fully remote basis. This senior role is pivotal for driving innovation in process design and simulation across a spectrum of international projects. You will be responsible for leading complex design initiatives, developing advanced process models, and providing expert technical consultation to clients and internal teams worldwide. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional analytical and modeling skills, a deep understanding of chemical engineering principles, and a proven ability to manage challenging projects from conception through to completion. This is an outstanding opportunity to leverage your expertise in a remote-first environment, contributing to groundbreaking projects without geographical constraints, and shaping the future of chemical process engineering from anywhere in South Africa.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and optimization of complex chemical processes using advanced simulation tools.
• Develop and validate rigorous process models for feasibility studies, debottlenecking, and scale-up assessments.
• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to junior and mid-level engineers on process design and simulation methodologies.
• Collaborate remotely with cross-functional global teams, including R&D, project management, and operations.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, design packages, and project proposals for clients and internal stakeholders.
• Stay at the forefront of process simulation technology and chemical engineering advancements, recommending and implementing new tools and techniques.
• Conduct techno-economic analyses to evaluate the viability and profitability of proposed process designs.
• Ensure all designs adhere to the highest industry standards for safety, environmental impact, and efficiency globally.
• Manage project timelines and deliverables effectively in a remote working setup.
• Champion best practices in process modeling and simulation across the organization.

Requirements

• M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering is highly preferred; B.Eng./B.Sc. with extensive relevant experience will be considered.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in chemical process design and advanced simulation.
• Exceptional proficiency in process simulation software such as Aspen Plus, HYSYS, CHEMCAD, or similar.
• Demonstrated expertise in developing dynamic and steady-state models for complex chemical systems.
• Strong understanding of chemical reaction engineering, thermodynamics, transport phenomena, and process control.
• Proven ability to lead complex engineering projects and mentor teams remotely.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts clearly.
• Experience with data analysis, statistical modeling, and optimization techniques is crucial.
• Must be self-motivated, highly organized, and possess excellent time management skills for remote work.
• Must be legally eligible to work remotely from South Africa.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive remote work support, flexible working hours, and significant opportunities for professional growth and international collaboration.
• You will work on challenging and impactful projects with a global reach, contributing to industry-leading innovations.
• This role provides unparalleled autonomy and the chance to shape your career path within a leading technology-driven company, all while enjoying the benefits of remote employment from Mossel Bay or any approved location within South Africa.