Junior Chemical Engineer - Research & Development

Placements24; Willows (CA); Hybrid; USD 6,100 - 8,100; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stipend

Mentorship

Networking workshops

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Junior Chemical Engineer intern to join a progressive specialty chemicals R&D team in Welkom. This hybrid role blends on-site lab work with remote data analysis and reporting, offering hands-on experience from laboratory experiments to pilot-scale testing.

You will support senior engineers, learn process design and safety principles, and develop skills in data analysis and technical documentation within a mentorship-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Pursuing or recently completed Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• Strong understanding of fundamental chemical engineering principles.
• Familiarity with lab procedures and safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Assist in designing and executing laboratory experiments.
• Collect and analyze experimental data using software and statistics.
• Prepare detailed reports of findings and conclusions.
• Support scale-up of processes from lab to pilot plant.
• Maintain lab equipment and safety standards.
• Contribute to team meetings and discussions on new products.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field

Tools

Excel

Aspen Plus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a progressive firm in the specialty chemicals sector, is looking for an enthusiastic Junior Chemical Engineer to join their innovative Research & Development team in Welkom . This internship role is designed for individuals eager to apply their academic knowledge in a practical, R&D-focused environment. You will support senior engineers and scientists in the development of new chemical products and processes, gaining hands‑on experience in laboratory experiments, data analysis, and pilot‑scale testing. This position offers a valuable opportunity to learn about process design, formulation, and scale‑up within a supportive and growth‑oriented setting. The role involves a hybrid work model, combining on‑site lab work with remote data analysis and reporting, offering a balanced experience in Welkom .

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the design and execution of laboratory experiments under the guidance of senior staff.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data using appropriate software and statistical methods.
• Prepare detailed reports on experimental findings, including observations and conclusions.
• Support the scale‑up of new chemical processes from laboratory to pilot plant.
• Conduct literature reviews to gather information on new technologies and potential applications.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure a safe and organized working environment.
• Contribute to the troubleshooting of experimental setups and process issues.
• Participate in team meetings and contribute to brainstorming sessions for new product development.
• Learn and apply principles of chemical engineering and process safety in daily tasks.
• Assist in the preparation of technical documentation and presentations.

Requirements

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field.
• Basic understanding of chemical engineering principles, including thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and reaction kinetics.
• Familiarity with laboratory procedures and safety protocols.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting; knowledge of software like Excel is essential.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Eagerness to learn and adapt to new challenges.
• Exposure to process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus) is a plus.
• Availability for a hybrid work arrangement in Welkom .

Benefits

• This internship offers a competitive stipend, providing valuable financial support during your learning period.
• You will gain practical, real‑world experience in chemical R&D, which is invaluable for your future career.
• Our client provides mentorship from experienced professionals and exposure to cutting‑edge technologies and research methodologies.
• Interns will have opportunities to network with industry experts and attend relevant workshops and seminars.
• This hybrid role in Welkom promotes a structured yet flexible learning environment, encouraging professional growth and a solid foundation in chemical engineering practices.