Chemical Engineer - Research and Development

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 520,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Paid vacation days

Professional development opportunities

Relocation support to Pretoria

Access to cutting-edge laboratory设施

Employee wellness programs

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a skilled Chemical Engineer to join its Research and Development team in Pretoria, Gauteng. The role spans from laboratory-scale experimentation to pilot-plant validation, driving novel processes and products from concept to scale.

The ideal candidate has a strong theoretical foundation, hands-on lab experience, and a passion for scientific innovation. Collaboration with scientists and engineers will be essential to advance technologies in a dynamic industrial setting.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or closely related field.
• Proven experience in chemical R&D including experimental design and execution.
• Strong background in reaction engineering, thermodynamics, and separation processes.
• Proficiency with laboratory equipment and analytical techniques (GC, HPLC, NMR, spectroscopy).
• Experience with process simulation software (Aspen HYSYS, Chemcad) is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory experiments to develop and optimize new synthesis routes.
• Design and execute pilot-scale trials to validate lab findings.
• Perform reaction engineering calculations and simulations.
• Analyze experimental data and prepare technical reports.
• Collaborate with product development, manufacturing, and marketing teams.
• Maintain detailed records of experiments and results per R&D protocols.
• Troubleshoot equipment and process issues during experimentation.
• Stay current with literature and emerging technologies in chemical engineering.
• Contribute to IP portfolio through invention disclosures.
• Ensure adherence to GLP and laboratory safety standards.

Skills

Data analysis

Statistical interpretation

Communication

Collaboration

Problem-solving

Education

Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen HYSYS

Chemcad

GC

HPLC

NMR

Spectroscopy

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned leader in specialty chemicals and advanced materials, is actively seeking a talented and innovative Chemical Engineer to join their Research and Development team in Pretoria, Gauteng . This role focuses on the development of novel chemical processes and products, from laboratory-scale experimentation to pilot-plant validation. The ideal candidate will possess strong theoretical knowledge, hands-on laboratory experience, and a passion for scientific exploration and innovation. You will be involved in challenging R&D projects, collaborating with a team of scientists and engineers to bring new technologies to market. This is a prime opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking work in the heart of Pretoria 's industrial research landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory experiments to develop and optimize new chemical synthesis routes and processes.
• Design and execute pilot-scale trials to validate laboratory findings and gather scale-up data.
• Perform chemical reaction engineering calculations and simulations.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and prepare comprehensive technical reports.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including product development, manufacturing, and marketing.
• Maintain detailed records of experiments, observations, and results according to R&D protocols.
• Troubleshoot equipment and process issues encountered during experimentation.
• Stay current with scientific literature and emerging technologies in chemical engineering.
• Contribute to the intellectual property portfolio through invention disclosures.
• Ensure adherence to laboratory safety standards and good laboratory practices (GLP).

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Proven experience in chemical R&D, including experimental design and execution.
• Strong background in reaction engineering, thermodynamics, and separation processes.
• Proficiency with laboratory equipment and analytical techniques (e.g., GC, HPLC, NMR, spectroscopy).
• Experience with process simulation software (e.g., Aspen HYSYS, Chemcad) is desirable.
• Excellent data analysis and statistical interpretation skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical findings clearly.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative research environment.
• Demonstrated problem-solving abilities and creativity.
• Familiarity with scale-up principles and pilot plant operations.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to the Pretoria, Gauteng area.

Benefits

• Our client provides a competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications, along with performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid, including private hospital plans and preventative care.
• Generous retirement fund contributions.
• Ample paid vacation days and public holidays.
• Significant investment in professional development, including workshops, conferences, and further education opportunities.
• Relocation support for eligible candidates moving to Pretoria .
• Access to cutting-edge laboratory facilities and equipment.
• A stimulating and innovative work culture focused on scientific discovery.
• Employee wellness programs are readily available.

We value diversity and inclusion within our R&D team in Pretoria .