Senior Process Chemist

Placements24; Midrand; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary + bonuses

Health insurance

Professional development

Hybrid work model

Lab facilities access

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Senior Process Chemist to join their Midrand team. You will drive optimization and development of chemical processes, translating lab innovations into scalable industrial applications while ensuring safety and environmental compliance.

You will mentor chemists, lead pilot plant operations, and collaborate with engineering and production teams to implement effective solutions as processes move from R&D to full-scale production.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 5 years hands-on experience in process development and optimization within chemical industry.
• Experience with experimental design, data analysis, and SPC.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and implementation of new chemical processes and optimization of existing ones.
• Conduct experimental studies, analyze data, and prepare reports on process performance and scalability.
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to troubleshoot operational issues and implement solutions.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations, environmental standards, and quality control protocols.
• Mentor junior chemists and technicians to foster learning and technical excellence.
• Manage pilot plant operations and scale-up activities from R&D to production.

Skills

Process optimization

Data analysis

SPC

Project leadership

Chemical engineering

Education

Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced and innovative Senior Process Chemist to join their dynamic team in Midrand . This role is pivotal in driving the optimization and development of our chemical processes, ensuring efficiency, safety, and environmental compliance. You will be instrumental in translating laboratory innovations into scalable industrial applications, working within a collaborative environment that values scientific rigor and practical problem-solving. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact on our production capabilities and contribute to cutting-edge chemical manufacturing practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of new chemical processes and the optimization of existing ones.
• Conduct rigorous experimental studies, analyze data, and prepare comprehensive reports on process performance and scalability.
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to troubleshoot operational issues and implement effective solutions.
• Ensure all processes comply with stringent safety regulations, environmental standards, and quality control protocols.
• Mentor junior chemists and technicians, fostering a culture of continuous learning and technical excellence within the team.
• Manage pilot plant operations and scale-up activities, ensuring a smooth transition from R&D to full-scale production.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands‑on experience in process development and optimization within the chemical industry.
• Proven track record in experimental design, data analysis, and statistical process control (SPC).
• In‑depth knowledge of chemical reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and separation processes.
• Experience with process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS) is highly desirable.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem‑solving skills, with a keen eye for detail.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary with performance‑based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage, including medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Opportunities for professional development, including conferences and advanced training.
• A hybrid work model allowing for a balance between office‑based collaboration and remote flexibility.
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art laboratory facilities and equipment.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays.