Remote Senior Process Chemical Engineer

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement contributions

Performance-based bonuses

Work from home

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Process Chemical Engineer for a fully remote role within South Africa. The position focuses on design, development, and optimization of chemical processes for new and existing product lines, with global cross-functional collaboration.

You will lead process design, run simulations, and scale-up projects, ensuring safety, environmental standards, and regulatory compliance, while mentoring junior engineers and supporting technology transfer.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering.
• 7+ years in process development, design and optimization in chemical/pharma industries.
• Expertise in process simulation software such as Aspen Plus and CHEMCAD.
• Strong knowledge of reaction engineering, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics and separations.
• Experience with stage-gate development and technology transfer.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and communication skills; remote leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead process design and development for new chemical products and manufacturing methods.
• Conduct process simulations, feasibility studies, and pilot plant trials.
• Optimize existing processes to improve yield, reduce costs, and enhance safety and environmental compliance.
• Develop P&IDs, mass and energy balances, and detailed process descriptions.
• Collaborate with R&D, engineering, manufacturing, and QA teams remotely.
• Troubleshoot scale-up and production issues and mentor junior engineers.
• Prepare technical reports, documentation, and project proposals.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, safety regulations and environmental laws.

Skills

Process design

Process simulation

Project leadership

Remote collaboration

Chemical engineering fundamentals

Education

Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

CHEMCAD

Job description

About the Role Our client, a globally recognized leader in specialty chemicals, is actively seeking a talented and experienced Senior Process Chemical Engineer to join their innovative team on a fully remote basis. This pivotal role will focus on the design, development, and optimization of chemical processes for new and existing product lines. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams across different geographical locations, leveraging your expertise to drive projects from concept to commercialization. This is a remote-first position, offering unparalleled flexibility and the opportunity to work from anywhere within South Africa, while contributing to significant advancements in chemical manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the process design and development for new chemical products and manufacturing methods.
• Conduct process simulations, feasibility studies, and pilot plant trials to validate designs.
• Optimize existing chemical processes to improve yield, reduce costs, enhance safety, and minimize environmental impact.
• Develop P&IDs, mass and energy balances, and detailed process descriptions.
• Collaborate effectively with R&D, engineering, manufacturing, and quality assurance teams remotely.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex process issues encountered during scale-up and commercial production.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports, documentation, and project proposals.
• Ensure all designs and processes comply with relevant industry standards, safety regulations, and environmental legislation.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineers and technical staff.
• Stay current with advancements in chemical engineering technology and best practices.

Requirements

• Master's or PhD degree in Chemical Engineering.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in process development, design, and optimization within the chemical or pharmaceutical industry.
• Proven expertise in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, CHEMCAD).
• Strong understanding of reaction engineering, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and separation processes.
• Experience with stage-gate development processes and technology transfer.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects and influence cross-functional teams in a remote setting.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts clearly.
• Self-motivated and disciplined, with a proven ability to manage workload and meet deadlines autonomously.
• Access to a reliable internet connection and a suitable home office environment are essential.

Benefits

• This fully remote position offers a highly competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and retirement contributions.
• You will have the flexibility to work from home, eliminating commute time and offering a superior work-life balance.
• Our client is committed to fostering a collaborative and innovative remote work culture, providing ample opportunities for professional growth, training, and career advancement.
• You will be part of a global team working on cutting-edge chemical technologies, making a real impact from wherever you are based in South Africa.