Graduate Chemical Engineer - Hydrometallurgy

Placements24; Willows (CA); Hybrid; USD 5,400 - 11,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stipend

Mentorship

Hybrid work

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Graduate Chemical Engineer for a hydrometallurgical internship at our Welkom facility. This hands-on program provides exposure to process design, operation, and optimization under experienced engineers in a hybrid work setting.

Recent graduates will assist in experiments, data analysis, and documentation, building practical skills for a career in metal extraction and refining, with mentorship and potential for future full-time opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Strong academic record with focus on chemical engineering coursework.
• Good analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to a hybrid work environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist senior engineers in the design and development of hydrometallurgical processes.
• Conduct laboratory experiments and pilot plant studies under supervision.
• Collect and analyze process data, contributing to performance reports.
• Support troubleshooting efforts for operational issues within the plant.
• Learn and apply process safety principles in daily tasks.
• Assist in the preparation of technical documentation, including reports and presentations.
• Gain experience with process simulation tools and data analysis software.
• Participate in team meetings and contribute to project discussions.

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process simulation tools

Data analysis software

Job description

About the Role Our client, a forward-thinking company specializing in hydrometallurgical processes for metal recovery, is seeking an enthusiastic Graduate Chemical Engineer for their facility in Welkom, Free State. This is an exciting internship opportunity designed to provide hands‑on experience in a critical sector of the chemical industry. You will gain exposure to various aspects of process design, operation, and optimization, working under the guidance of experienced engineers. This role offers a hybrid work arrangement, allowing for a balance between on‑site learning and remote work responsibilities. The ideal candidate is a recent graduate with a strong academic foundation in chemical engineering, eager to apply theoretical knowledge to practical challenges in metal extraction and refining. This internship is a fantastic stepping stone for a career in specialized chemical engineering fields, offering valuable insights and skill development.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist senior engineers in the design and development of hydrometallurgical processes.
• Conduct laboratory experiments and pilot plant studies under supervision.
• Collect and analyze process data, contributing to performance reports.
• Support troubleshooting efforts for operational issues within the plant.
• Learn and apply process safety principles in daily tasks.
• Assist in the preparation of technical documentation, including reports and presentations.
• Gain experience with process simulation tools and data analysis software.
• Participate in team meetings and contribute to project discussions.

Requirements

• Recently completed Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Strong academic record with a focus on relevant chemical engineering coursework.
• Basic understanding of hydrometallurgical processes or extractive metallurgy.
• Familiarity with chemical engineering principles such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and kinetics.
• Eagerness to learn and develop practical engineering skills.
• Good analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team and adapt to a hybrid work environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Benefits

• This internship offers a competitive stipend, practical training, and mentorship from experienced professionals.
• You will gain invaluable industry experience in a growing sector.
• The hybrid work model provides flexibility.
• This is a fantastic opportunity to kick‑start your career in chemical engineering, with potential for future full‑time opportunities within the company.
• The Welkom location provides exposure to key industrial operations.