Chemical Engineer - Product Development

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 550,000 - 750,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and bonuses

Comprehensive health insurance

Generous annual leave

Retirement savings plan

Professional development support

Innovative work environment

Job summary

Placements24 in Rustenburg is actively seeking a Chemical Engineer to drive new product development from laboratory scale to pilot plant production. The role focuses on creating next-generation materials and chemical solutions, with emphasis on innovative design and robust testing.

The successful candidate will design experiments, analyze data, and collaborate with researchers and manufacturing teams to ensure successful commercialization while maintaining safety and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field; MS/PhD advantageous.
• 3–5 years in chemical product development or process R&D.
• Experience with experimental design, data analysis, and scale-up.
• Proficiency with laboratory equipment and analytical techniques.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and develop novel chemical products and processes according to market needs and company strategy.
• Conduct laboratory experiments, pilot-scale trials, and scale-up studies for new product formulations and manufacturing methods.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and document findings comprehensively for internal review and external patent applications.
• Collaborate closely with research scientists, marketing teams, and manufacturing engineers to ensure successful product commercialization.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges encountered during product development and scale-up phases.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and specifications for new products and processes.
• Ensure all development activities comply with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Stay abreast of the latest technological advancements and scientific literature relevant to product development in Rustenburg.
• Contribute to intellectual property generation through invention disclosures and patent applications.

Skills

Laboratory equipment

Analytical techniques

Reaction engineering

Materials science

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Master's or PhD advantageous

Tools

CAD software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering firm in the advanced materials sector, is actively searching for a dedicated Chemical Engineer to focus on product development. This exciting role is based in Rustenburg, North West, and offers the chance to work at the forefront of innovation, creating next-generation materials and chemical solutions. The successful candidate will be responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and testing new products from laboratory scale through to pilot plant production. We are looking for an inventive and detail-oriented individual with a strong foundation in chemical principles and a passion for bringing new ideas to market. This position is ideal for someone seeking to make a tangible impact in product innovation within the dynamic industrial landscape of Rustenburg. Join a forward-thinking company that invests heavily in R&D and offers a collaborative environment for creative problem-solving and professional growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and develop novel chemical products and processes according to market needs and company strategy.
• Conduct laboratory experiments, pilot-scale trials, and scale-up studies for new product formulations and manufacturing methods.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and document findings comprehensively for internal review and external patent applications.
• Collaborate closely with research scientists, marketing teams, and manufacturing engineers to ensure successful product commercialization.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges encountered during product development and scale-up phases.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and specifications for new products and processes.
• Ensure all development activities comply with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Stay abreast of the latest technological advancements and scientific literature relevant to product development in Rustenburg.
• Contribute to intellectual property generation through invention disclosures and patent applications.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field; a Master's or PhD is highly advantageous.
• 3-5 years of experience in chemical product development, process R&D, or a similar role.
• Proven track record in experimental design, data analysis, and scale-up of chemical processes.
• Proficiency with laboratory equipment and analytical techniques.Strong understanding of chemical principles, reaction engineering, and materials science.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and a creative approach to innovation.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information clearly.
• Experience with CAD software or other relevant design tools is a plus.
• Must be eligible to work in South Africa and preferably located in or willing to relocate to the Rustenburg area.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health insurance package.
• Generous annual leave and company holidays.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Support for professional development, including conferences and workshops.
• A stimulating and innovative work environment in Rustenburg.
• Opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects and contribute to groundbreaking products.
• Potential for career advancement within the organization.