Remote Principal Chemical Engineer - R&D Innovator

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 2,500,000 - 4,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote position

Flexible location and schedule

Professional development & conferences

Collaborative research culture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Chemical Engineer to lead R&D initiatives in novel materials and sustainable processes. This fully remote role enables you to drive ideation through pilot-scale development from your location while collaborating with international teams from Durban to global hubs.

You will design experiments, develop models, perform TEAs, and mentor researchers, shaping future product portfolios while advancing chemical science in a flexible home-based setting.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or closely related field, strong R&D focus.
• 12+ years in chemical process R&D with publications or patents.
• Expertise in catalysis, reaction engineering, process intensification, or materials science.
• Experience with process simulation/modeling software (e.g., COMSOL, Aspen Plus, CFD).
• Proven leadership of research teams and multi-project management.

Responsibilities

• Lead cutting-edge R&D projects in catalysis, polymerization, or advanced separations.
• Design and run lab and pilot-scale experiments to validate new chemical processes.
• Develop kinetic models and thermodynamic databases for novel reactions.
• Perform techno-economic assessments and feasibility studies for new technologies.
• Collaborate with chemists, material scientists, and engineers across global R&D centers.

Skills

Leadership & mentorship

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication skills

Remote collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering

Tools

COMSOL

Aspen Plus

CFD tools

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Chemical Engineer to lead R&D initiatives in novel materials and sustainable processes. This fully remote role enables you to drive ideation through pilot-scale development from your location while collaborating with international teams from Durban to global hubs.

You will design experiments, develop models, perform TEAs, and mentor researchers, shaping future product portfolios while advancing chemical science in a flexible home-based setting.