Senior Chemical Engineer - Reaction Engineering and Scale-Up

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote benefits

Health & dental

Retirement plan

Home office stipend

Paid time off

Professional development

Autonomy in role

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Chemical Engineer specializing in Reaction Engineering and Scale-Up to drive development from lab to pilot and full production. This fully remote role leverages advanced kinetics, reactor design, and thermodynamics to deliver robust, safe, and cost-efficient processes.

You will collaborate with a distributed R&D and engineering team, conduct techno-economic assessments, and lead technology transfer while ensuring SHE standards and timely technical reporting.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering with a strong focus on reaction engineering.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in chemical process development, with significant emphasis on reaction engineering and scale-up.
• Demonstrated expertise in chemical kinetics, thermodynamics, and reactor design (e.g., CSTR, PFR, batch).
• Proficiency with process simulation software (Aspen Plus, HYSYS) and kinetic modeling tools.
• Strong understanding of scale-up principles and challenges in chemical processes.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and quantitative modeling skills.
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, effective in a remote team environment.
• Experience with pilot plant operations and technology transfer is essential.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize chemical reaction processes for new product development.
• Conduct kinetic studies, mechanism elucidation, and reactor modeling to understand and improve reaction performance.
• Manage the scale-up of chemical processes from laboratory to pilot plant and commercial manufacturing.
• Perform techno-economic assessments for new process designs and improvements.
• Collaborate with research scientists, process chemists, and engineers for technology transfer.
• Troubleshoot process issues during scale-up and manufacturing.
• Develop and validate process control strategies for complex reaction systems.
• Ensure all designs meet SHE standards.
• Prepare detailed technical reports and operating manuals.
• Stay abreast of advancements in reaction engineering and process intensification.

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering with focus on reaction engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

Kinetic modeling tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a progressive leader in specialty chemical manufacturing, is seeking an experienced Senior Chemical Engineer specializing in Reaction Engineering and Scale-Up. This is a fully remote position, offering the ideal candidate the opportunity to leverage their expertise from anywhere. You will play a critical role in the development, optimization, and successful scale-up of novel chemical reaction processes from laboratory bench to pilot and full commercial production. The successful candidate will possess a deep theoretical understanding of chemical kinetics, reactor design, and thermodynamics, combined with practical experience in translating these principles into robust industrial processes. Working collaboratively with a distributed R&D and engineering team, you will be instrumental in driving innovation and ensuring efficient, safe, and cost-effective production. This role is perfect for a self-motivated individual who thrives on complex challenges and enjoys contributing to cutting-edge chemical technology development.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize chemical reaction processes for new product development.
• Conduct kinetic studies, mechanism elucidation, and reactor modeling to understand and improve reaction performance.
• Manage the scale-up of chemical processes from laboratory to pilot plant and commercial manufacturing.
• Perform techno-economic assessments for new process designs and improvements.
• Collaborate with research scientists, process chemists, and engineers to ensure successful technology transfer.
• Troubleshoot process issues encountered during scale-up and manufacturing.
• Develop and validate process control strategies for complex reaction systems.
• Ensure all process designs meet stringent safety, health, and environmental (SHE) standards.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, process design packages, and operating manuals.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in reaction engineering, catalysis, and process intensification.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from an accredited institution, with a strong focus on reaction engineering.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in chemical process development, with significant emphasis on reaction engineering and scale-up.
• Demonstrated expertise in chemical kinetics, thermodynamics, and reactor design (e.g., CSTR, PFR, batch).
• Proficiency with process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS) and kinetic modeling tools.
• Strong understanding of scale-up principles and challenges associated with chemical processes.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and quantitative modeling skills.
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, effective in a remote team environment.
• Experience with pilot plant operations and technology transfer is essential.
• Self-starter with the ability to manage projects independently and deliver results.
• Knowledge of safety assessment techniques for chemical reactions is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and a comprehensive remote benefits package.
• This includes excellent health, dental, and vision insurance, a retirement savings plan with employer contributions, and generous paid time off.
• We provide a home office stipend and support ongoing professional development through online courses, webinars, and conference attendance.
• This fully remote role offers significant flexibility and autonomy.
• Join a company that values scientific rigor, innovation, and a results-driven culture.