Senior Process Chemist - Remote

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Home office stipend

Remote work

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Process Chemist to join a fully remote role in South Africa. You will optimize existing processes, scale up new chemistries, and mentor a distributed team while ensuring safety and cost efficiency.

The ideal candidate brings 7+ years of process development experience, strong simulation skills (Aspen Plus, HYSYS), and deep knowledge of kinetics and thermodynamics. Remote collaboration across time zones is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years in chemical process development, optimization, and scale-up.
• Proven experience with process simulation tools (Aspen Plus, HYSYS).
• Strong kinetics, thermodynamics, and mass transfer knowledge.
• Experience managing multiple remote projects.

Responsibilities

• Analyze process data to identify improvements and implement solutions.
• Develop and scale-up chemical processes from lab to pilot scale.
• Conduct process hazard analyses and implement safety protocols.
• Collaborate with R&D, operations, and QA to ensure integration.
• Troubleshoot deviations and write technical reports and SOPs.
• Mentor junior engineers within the remote team.

Skills

Process optimization

Scale-up expertise

Data analysis

Remote collaboration

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

Process simulation

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and innovative player in the chemical industry, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Process Chemist to join their globally distributed team. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere within South Africa. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in optimizing existing chemical processes and developing new ones, ensuring efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness. This role requires a deep understanding of chemical engineering principles and a proactive approach to problem-solving. You will be instrumental in driving innovation and maintaining the highest standards of operational excellence from your home office. We are looking for an individual who thrives in an independent work environment and can collaborate effectively with virtual teams across different time zones.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze and interpret complex process data to identify areas for improvement and implement solutions.
• Develop and scale-up new chemical processes from laboratory to pilot and commercial scales.
• Conduct thorough process hazard analyses (PHAs) and implement safety protocols.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D, operations, and quality assurance, to ensure seamless process integration.
• Troubleshoot and resolve process deviations and operational issues in a timely manner.
• Author and review technical reports, process documentation, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Stay abreast of the latest technological advancements and industry best practices in chemical process engineering.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and chemists within the remote team structure.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in chemical process development, optimization, and scale-up.
• Proven expertise in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS).
• Strong understanding of reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and mass transfer principles.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a remote setting.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills for effective virtual collaboration.
• Experience with process safety management (PSM) and risk assessment methodologies.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive remuneration package, comprehensive health benefits, and opportunities for professional development. This remote role allows for significant work-life balance, eliminating commute times and enabling greater personal flexibility. You will be part of a forward-thinking company that values its employees and invests in their growth. The opportunity to contribute to impactful projects from a remote location is unparalleled. We also provide a home office stipend to ensure you have the resources you need to succeed in this fully remote capacity. Join a team that is committed to innovation and excellence in the chemical industry.