Chemical Engineer - New Product Introduction

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 in Vereeniging seeks a motivated Chemical Engineer to drive New Product Introduction initiatives, taking innovative chemistries from the laboratory through process development, scale‑up and into full commercial production. You will collaborate with R&D, manufacturing and quality assurance to ensure smooth technology transfer and production readiness.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering (Master's preferred) with 3–7 years in chemical process

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering is required.
• 3–7 years of experience in chemical process development, scale‑up, or NPI roles.
• Hands‑on pilot plant operations experience and proficiency with Aspen Plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead process development and scale‑up for new chemical products from lab to pilot and commercial scale.
• Develop detailed process designs, P&IDs, and operating procedures for new processes.
• Conduct pilot plant trials, troubleshoot issues, and collect scale‑up data.
• Collaborate with R&D to understand product chemistry and performance requirements.
• Ensure technology transfer and production readiness with manufacturing teams.
• Perform process hazard analyses and ensure safety and environmental compliance.
• Validate new processes and equipment to meet quality standards.
• Manage project timelines, resources, and budgets for NPI projects.
• Prepare technical documentation and presentations for stakeholders.

Skills

Chemical engineering fundamentals

Process scale-up

Project management

Communication

Batch processing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Master's degree (advantage)

Tools

Aspen Plus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a fast-growing specialty chemicals company, is seeking a motivated Chemical Engineer to spearhead New Product Introduction (NPI) initiatives at their facility in Vereeniging. This role is crucial for taking innovative chemical products from the laboratory through process development, scale‑up, and into full commercial production. You will work closely with R&D, manufacturing, and quality assurance teams to ensure seamless and efficient introduction of new products. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in chemical engineering principles, experience with process scale‑up and validation, and excellent project management skills. This is an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of product innovation and contribute directly to the company's growth and success.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the process development and scale‑up activities for new chemical products from lab to pilot and commercial scale.
• Develop detailed process designs, P&IDs, and operating procedures for new manufacturing processes.
• Conduct pilot plant trials, troubleshoot issues, and gather critical scale‑up data.
• Collaborate with R&D scientists to understand product chemistry and performance requirements.
• Work with manufacturing teams to ensure successful technology transfer and production readiness.
• Perform process hazard analyses and ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
• Validate new processes and equipment to meet quality and performance standards.
• Manage project timelines, resources, and budgets for NPI projects.
• Prepare technical documentation, reports, and presentations for project stakeholders.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Master's degree is a plus.
• 3-7 years of experience in chemical process development, scale‑up, or NPI roles.
• Hands‑on experience with pilot plant operations and equipment.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus).
• Strong understanding of chemical reaction engineering, separations, and process safety.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for cross‑functional collaboration.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast‑paced environment.
• Experience with batch processing is highly desirable.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance and a retirement fund, and opportunities for professional development and advancement. This role is based in Vereeniging, a strategically important industrial center. The company fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. Join us to make a significant impact on the future of specialty chemicals.