Senior Process Development Chemical Engineer - Remote

Placements24; Midrand; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Home office support

Annual leave

Medical aid

Retirement plan

Professional development

Performance bonus

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Process Development Chemical Engineer to design, optimize, and scale chemical processes from laboratory to commercial scale. This fully remote South Africa role requires strong problem-solving skills and collaboration with R&D, pilot plants, and production teams. Requirements include a B.Sc.

or M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering and at least seven years in process development and scale-up.

Qualifications

• Degree in Chemical Engineering required.
• 7+ years in process development and scale-up.
• Experience with Aspen Plus or HYSYS essential.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize chemical processes from laboratory scale through pilot and commercial scale.
• Conduct PHAs and implement safety protocols.
• Design experimental plans for process validation and troubleshooting.
• Collaborate with R&D, operations, and safety teams.
• Prepare P&IDs, equipment specs, and operating procedures.
• Evaluate new technologies for improvements and cost reduction.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing sites.
• Manage multiple projects with budget adherence.
• Stay updated on industry best practices.

Skills

Process Development

Scale-up

DoE

Remote collaboration

Education

B.Sc. or M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in specialty chemicals, is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Process Development Chemical Engineer to join their dynamic team. This is a fully remote position, offering unparalleled flexibility and the opportunity to work from anywhere within South Africa. You will be instrumental in designing, optimizing, and scaling up novel chemical processes, contributing directly to the advancement of cutting‑edge technologies. The role demands a deep understanding of chemical engineering principles, a passion for problem‑solving, and the ability to collaborate effectively in a virtual environment. You will work closely with research scientists, pilot plant engineers, and manufacturing teams to bring new products from concept to commercialization. This is an exciting chance to make a significant impact in a forward‑thinking organization that values innovation and employee well‑being. The successful candidate will be a self‑starter, adept at managing their time and responsibilities independently, and capable of driving projects forward with minimal supervision. We are looking for an individual who thrives on technical challenges and is eager to contribute to sustainable and efficient chemical manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize chemical processes from laboratory scale through pilot and commercial scale.
• Conduct rigorous process hazard analyses (PHAs) and implement safety protocols.
• Design and interpret experimental plans for process validation and troubleshooting.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams including R&D, operations, and safety departments.
• Prepare detailed process design packages, including P&IDs, equipment specifications, and operating procedures.
• Evaluate new technologies and materials for process improvements and cost reduction.
• Provide technical support and guidance to manufacturing sites on process‑related issues.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion and adherence to budget.
• Stay abreast of industry best practices and emerging trends in chemical engineering.

Requirements

• B.Sc. or M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in process development, scale‑up, and optimization within the chemical industry.
• Proven track record in designing and implementing robust chemical processes, preferably in specialty chemicals or fine chemicals.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, kinetics, mass transfer, and fluid dynamics.
• Experience with process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS) is essential.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis and design of experiments (DoE).
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively convey technical information to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a remote team.
• Experience with environmental regulations and sustainability practices in chemical manufacturing is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• As this is a remote position, comprehensive home office support will be provided.
• Employees have access to a generous annual leave allowance, comprehensive medical aid coverage, and a retirement savings plan.
• Continuous professional development opportunities, including access to online courses and industry conferences, are encouraged.
• A performance‑based bonus structure is in place, rewarding exceptional contributions.
• We foster a culture of innovation and collaboration, ensuring that even in a remote setting, you feel connected and valued.
• This role provides a unique opportunity to shape the future of chemical engineering while enjoying the flexibility of working from your preferred location.
• Join a team that is committed to excellence, sustainability, and groundbreaking discoveries in the chemical sector.