Senior Chemical Engineer - Product Development

Placements24; United States; Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 91,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonuses

Medical and retirement benefits

Professional development

Subsidized meals

On-site recreational facilities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Chemical Engineer specializing in product development for a hybrid role based in Randburg, Gauteng. You will lead lab-scale development, pilot plant trials, and support commercial production, translating market needs into innovative chemical solutions.

You will mentor junior engineers, collaborate with R&D, marketing, and manufacturing, and ensure regulatory compliance throughout the product lifecycle. A strong track record and advanced degree are required.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in chemical product development.
• Proven track record of bringing new chemical products to market.
• Expertise in formulation science and chemical synthesis.
• Strong understanding of analytical techniques (HPLC, GC-MS, FTIR, DSC).
• Experience with scale-up processes and pilot plant operations.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills for hybrid collaboration.
• Knowledge of intellectual property and patent processes is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of new chemical products and formulations.
• Conduct laboratory experiments and pilot plant studies to evaluate product performance.
• Optimize product formulations for enhanced properties, cost-effectiveness, and manufacturability.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for product characterization.
• Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, and sales/marketing teams.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, specifications, and patent disclosures.
• Ensure product development aligns with regulatory requirements (e.g., REACH, GHS).
• Troubleshoot product-related issues during scale-up and commercial production.
• Stay abreast of market trends, competitor activities, and emerging technologies.
• Mentor junior engineers and chemists involved in product development projects.

Skills

Project management

Strong communication

Team mentoring

Analytical skills

Hybrid collaboration

Education

Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering / Chemistry

Tools

HPLC

GC-MS

FTIR

DSC

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in the development of advanced materials, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Chemical Engineer specializing in Product Development for their Randburg, Gauteng, ZA facility. This hybrid role requires a strategic blend of on-site laboratory work and remote data analysis and project management. You will be instrumental in the entire product lifecycle, from conceptualization and lab-scale development to pilot plant trials and supporting commercial production. Your expertise will be crucial in formulating new chemical products, optimizing existing formulations, and ensuring they meet rigorous performance, safety, and regulatory standards. This position demands creativity, strong analytical skills, and the ability to translate market needs into tangible chemical solutions. You will collaborate closely with R&D scientists, marketing teams, and manufacturing personnel to bring innovative products to market.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of new chemical products and formulations.
• Conduct laboratory experiments and pilot plant studies to evaluate product performance.
• Optimize product formulations for enhanced properties, cost-effectiveness, and manufacturability.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for product characterization.
• Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, and sales/marketing teams.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, specifications, and patent disclosures.
• Ensure product development aligns with regulatory requirements (e.g., REACH, GHS).
• Troubleshoot product-related issues during scale-up and commercial production.
• Stay abreast of market trends, competitor activities, and emerging technologies.
• Mentor junior engineers and chemists involved in product development projects.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in chemical product development.
• Proven track record of successfully bringing new chemical products to market.
• Expertise in formulation science and chemical synthesis.
• Strong understanding of analytical techniques (e.g., HPLC, GC-MS, FTIR, DSC).
• Experience with scale-up processes and pilot plant operations.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills for hybrid collaboration.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team in a hybrid model.
• Knowledge of intellectual property and patent processes is advantageous.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, performance bonuses, comprehensive medical and retirement benefits, and a dynamic work environment.
• Professional development, continuous learning, and opportunities for career growth are strongly supported.
• Additional benefits include subsidized meals and access to on-site recreational facilities during workdays.

This hybrid role in Randburg, Gauteng, ZA provides the opportunity to engage directly with cutting-edge R&D while enjoying flexibility.

You will work with a talented team on innovative projects that shape the future of advanced materials.