Chemical Engineer - New Product Development

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Chemical Engineer for a hybrid role in East London, Eastern Cape. You will manage the full lifecycle of new product development, from lab-scale work to pilot plant trials and manufacturing scale-up, collaborating with R&D and other engineers to deliver innovative materials.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering with at least four years in NPD/Process development, lab experiments, and pilot operations, plus strong data interpretation and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in new product development, process development, or R&D within the chemical industry.
• Hands-on experience with laboratory experimentation and pilot plant operations.
• Strong understanding of reaction engineering, separation processes, and material characterization techniques.
• Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation.
• Experience with simulation tools is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct experiments to develop and optimize new chemical products and processes.
• Perform laboratory-scale testing and pilot-plant trials to validate process concepts.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and prepare detailed technical reports and presentations.
• Collaborate with R&D scientists, material scientists, and other engineers on new product initiatives.
• Support scale-up of developed processes from lab to pilot and commercial production.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Simulation tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, an innovative chemical company focused on developing next-generation materials, is seeking a creative and driven Chemical Engineer for their New Product Development team. This hybrid role requires a professional who can contribute both remotely and from their offices in East London, Eastern Cape . You will be involved in the entire lifecycle of new product development, from conceptualization and laboratory-scale experimentation to pilot-plant trials and supporting commercial scale-up. This position emphasizes applying chemical engineering principles to solve complex challenges in material science and process innovation. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver with excellent experimental design skills and the ability to translate research findings into viable manufacturing processes. We seek an individual eager to contribute to groundbreaking chemical solutions in a dynamic environment. Our client fosters a collaborative culture that bridges remote contributions with essential on-site teamwork.

Key Responsibilities

Design and conduct experiments to develop and optimize new chemical products and processes. Perform laboratory-scale testing and pilot-plant trials to validate process concepts. Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and prepare detailed technical reports and presentations. Collaborate closely with R&D scientists, material scientists, and other engineers on new product initiatives. Support the scale-up of developed processes from the lab to pilot and commercial production. Identify and troubleshoot technical challenges encountered during product and process development. Ensure all development activities adhere to safety, environmental, and quality standards. Evaluate new technologies and equipment relevant to new product development. Assist in the preparation of intellectual property documentation and patent applications. Contribute to cross-functional teams to ensure successful market introduction of new products.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a closely related field. Minimum of 4 years of experience in new product development, process development, or R&D within the chemical industry. Hands-on experience with laboratory experimentation and pilot plant operations. Strong understanding of reaction engineering, separation processes, and material characterization techniques. Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation. Experience with simulation tools is a plus. Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills. Effective communication and interpersonal skills, capable of working in a hybrid team structure. Detail-oriented with a strong commitment to safety and innovation. Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment. Experience with polymer chemistry or advanced materials is advantageous.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, commensurate with experience, and a comprehensive benefits package. This hybrid role provides the flexibility of remote work combined with on-site opportunities in East London, Eastern Cape. We offer ample opportunities for professional growth, continuous learning, and career advancement within a cutting-edge R&D environment. Our client fosters a collaborative and innovative culture, promoting a balance between work and personal life for its employees.