Remote Process Development Engineer Specialty Chemicals

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1,976,000 - 2,964,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement savings options

Remote work flexibility

Online training and conferences

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Process Development Engineer for a fully remote role advancing high‑performance specialty chemical processes from lab bench to pilot plant and toward commercial production.

The candidate will develop synthesis routes, perform scale‑up calculations, and collaborate with R&D and manufacturing teams to transfer technology effectively while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance. Strong data analysis and remote teamwork are essential.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or closely related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in process development, scale-up, and optimization within the specialty chemical or fine chemical industry.
• Proven experience with reaction engineering, catalysis, and separation technologies.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (Aspen Plus, ChemCAD) and statistical analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of chemical synthesis and laboratory techniques.
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Superior communication and collaboration skills, with experience working effectively in remote teams.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize synthesis routes and manufacturing processes for specialty chemicals.
• Conduct laboratory experiments and pilot plant trials to validate process designs.
• Analyze experimental data to understand process parameters and identify areas for improvement.
• Perform scale-up calculations and develop process flow diagrams.
• Identify and evaluate new process technologies and equipment.
• Collaborate with R&D chemists to ensure seamless technology transfer from lab to plant.
• Troubleshoot and resolve process-related issues during development and scale-up phases.
• Ensure all process development activities comply with safety and environmental regulations.
• Prepare technical reports, documentation, and presentations on process development findings.
• Contribute to the intellectual property portfolio through invention disclosures.

Skills

Process development

Scale-up

Reaction engineering

Catalysis

Separation technologies

Statistical analysis

Remote collaboration

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

ChemCAD

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Process Development Engineer for a fully remote role advancing high‑performance specialty chemical processes from lab bench to pilot plant and toward commercial production.

The candidate will develop synthesis routes, perform scale‑up calculations, and collaborate with R&D and manufacturing teams to transfer technology effectively while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance. Strong data analysis and remote teamwork are essential.