Junior Process Engineer - Mining Chemicals

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

Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship programs

Training opportunities

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Junior Process Engineer for our client in Welkom, South Africa. This internship offers hands-on experience in chemical process optimization for mining applications and exposure to design, troubleshooting, and operations.

You'll work under senior engineers, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and gain practical knowledge of process safety, data analysis, and reporting while developing essential engineering skills for a career in chemical engineering.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related discipline.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to learn and develop new skills in chemical engineering.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Basic knowledge of process simulation software (e.g., Aspen HYSYS) is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist senior engineers in designing, developing, and optimizing chemical processes for mining applications.
• Support plant operations by troubleshooting deviations and identifying improvements.
• Collect and analyze process data to monitor performance and identify trends.
• Prepare technical reports, summaries, and presentations under supervision.
• Participate in process safety reviews and ensure safety protocol adherence.
• Conduct literature reviews and research on mining chemical technologies.
• Assist in commissioning and testing of new equipment and process modifications.
• Maintain process documentation and records.
• Collaborate with operations, quality control, and R&D in Welkom.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Teamwork

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen HYSYS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant supplier of specialty chemicals to the mining industry, is looking for an enthusiastic Junior Process Engineer to join their growing team in Welkom. This is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate or early-career professional to gain hands‑on experience in a dynamic industrial environment. You will work under the guidance of senior engineers, contributing to the optimization of chemical processes used in mineral processing and extraction. The role involves a blend of on‑site work at our Welkom facility and potential remote collaboration, offering a structured introduction to the field of chemical engineering. You will gain exposure to process design, troubleshooting, and operational improvements within the Free State province's key economic sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist senior engineers in the design, development, and optimization of chemical processes for mining applications.
• Support plant operations by troubleshooting process deviations and identifying potential improvements.
• Collect and analyze process data to monitor performance and identify trends.
• Prepare technical reports, summaries, and presentations under supervision.
• Participate in process safety reviews and ensure adherence to safety protocols.
• Conduct literature reviews and research on new technologies relevant to mining chemicals.
• Assist in the commissioning and testing of new equipment and process modifications.
• Maintain process documentation and records.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams including operations, quality control, and research and development in Welkom.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Strong foundational knowledge of chemical engineering principles.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Eagerness to learn and develop new skills in the field of chemical engineering.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Basic understanding of process simulation software (e.g., Aspen HYSYS) is a plus.
• Must be eligible to work in South Africa and available for hybrid work arrangements in Welkom, Free State.

Benefits

• This internship offers a competitive stipend and the invaluable opportunity to gain practical experience in a specialized area of chemical engineering.
• Our client provides dedicated mentorship from experienced professionals and opportunities for professional growth.
• Employees are encouraged to participate in relevant workshops and training sessions.
• You will gain exposure to real‑world industrial challenges and contribute to meaningful projects within the Welkom area.
• This role is designed to foster talent and build a strong foundation for a future career in the chemical engineering industry in South Africa.