Chemical Engineer - Research and Development

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Healthcare coverage

Retirement benefits

Conferences & development budget

Job summary

Placements24 in Bloemfontein seeks a Chemical Engineer to join its R&D team, designing and testing new processes and formulations in collaboration with chemists and manufacturing staff. You will work with advanced lab facilities and pilot-plant equipment to move concepts toward market viability.

The role requires a Master’s or PhD in Chemical Engineering and 3–6 years of R&D experience, with strong skills in experimental design, data analysis, and process simulation.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• 3–6 years of experience in chemical process R&D, scale-up, or product development.
• Strong understanding of reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and separation processes.
• Proficiency in experimental design, data analysis, and statistical methods.
• Experience with laboratory equipment and pilot plants is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Conduct R&D to design and evaluate new chemical processes and product formulations.
• Perform laboratory experiments, pilot-scale trials, and data analysis to assess feasibility and optimize performance.
• Develop detailed process documentation including PFDs, P&IDs, and operating procedures for new technologies.
• Collaborate with R&D scientists, chemists, and manufacturing personnel.
• Identify and evaluate new technologies and equipment for R&D and production.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and recommendations for project progression.

Skills

Chemical kinetics

Thermodynamics

Separation processes

Experimental design

Data analysis

Statistical methods

Laboratory equipment knowledge

Education

Master's degree in Chemical Engineering

PhD in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an innovative Chemical Engineer for their Research and Development department in Bloemfontein . This hybrid role focuses on exploring new chemical technologies, developing novel processes, and bringing groundbreaking products from concept to market viability. You will work in a collaborative environment, utilizing advanced laboratory facilities and pilot plant equipment to test and refine new ideas. This position is perfect for a curious and scientifically minded engineer passionate about innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research and development activities to design and evaluate new chemical processes and product formulations.
• Perform laboratory experiments, pilot-scale trials, and data analysis to assess process feasibility and optimize performance.
• Develop detailed process documentation, including PFDs, P&IDs, and operating procedures for new technologies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D scientists, chemists, and manufacturing personnel.
• Identify and evaluate new technologies and equipment for potential adoption in R&D and production.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and recommendations for project progression.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Chemical Engineering or a related field.
• 3-6 years of experience in chemical process R&D, scale-up, or product development.
• Strong understanding of chemical reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and separation processes.
• Proficiency in experimental design, data analysis, and statistical methods.
• Experience with laboratory equipment, pilot plants, and process simulation software is advantageous.
• Excellent technical writing and presentation skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and R&D project bonuses.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility and collaboration.
• Comprehensive healthcare coverage and retirement benefits.
• Significant budget for professional development and scientific conferences.
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory and pilot plant facilities.