Chemical Engineer - Research & Development

Placements24; Klerksdorp; Hybrid; ZAR 750,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Pension fund

R&D project opportunities

Professional development support

Job summary

Placements24 in South Africa seeks an innovative Chemical Engineer for our client's R&D team in Klerksdorp. You will drive development of new materials and sustainable processes, from concept to pilot testing and technology transfer to production.

You will work in a hybrid setup at the Klerksdorp facility, collaborating with chemists, materials scientists, and engineers to solve complex problems and push the boundaries of chemical science.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• Experience in R&D within specialty chemicals or materials science.
• Proficiency in lab techniques, experimental design, and data analysis.
• Familiarity with process simulation software is a plus.
• Strong understanding of kinetics, reaction engineering, and thermodynamics.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and in teams.
• Hybrid work presence at Klerksdorp facility.

Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory experiments to explore new reactions, formulations, and processes.
• Design and run pilot plant trials to test scalability of new technologies.
• Analyze data, interpret results, and guide further research decisions.
• Develop and document new process designs, procedures, and specs.
• Collaborate with chemists, materials scientists, and engineers on R&D projects.
• Evaluate environmental impact and economic viability of new processes.
• Troubleshoot technical challenges in R&D activities.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and research papers.
• Assist in transferring developed technologies from R&D to production.

Skills

Laboratory techniques

Data analysis

Experimental design

Independent work

Education

Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking chemical technology company located in **Klerksdorp, North West**, is seeking an innovative Chemical Engineer to join their Research & Development department. This hybrid role offers the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking projects, focusing on the development of new materials and sustainable chemical processes. You will be involved in all stages of the R&D lifecycle, from initial concept generation and laboratory experimentation to pilot-scale testing and technology transfer to production. Working within a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment in **Klerksdorp**, you will have the chance to push the boundaries of chemical science. The successful candidate will possess a strong theoretical foundation combined with practical problem-solving skills and a passion for innovation in the chemical industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory experiments to explore new chemical reactions, formulations, and processes.
• Design and execute pilot plant trials to test the scalability and feasibility of new technologies.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and draw conclusions to guide further research.
• Develop and document new process designs, procedures, and specifications.
• Collaborate with chemists, materials scientists, and other engineers on cross-functional R&D projects.
• Evaluate the economic viability and environmental impact of new processes and products.
• Troubleshoot technical challenges encountered during research and development activities.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and research papers to communicate findings.
• Assist in the transfer of developed technologies from R&D to manufacturing.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in research and development, preferably within the specialty chemicals or materials science sector.
• Proficiency in laboratory techniques, experimental design, and data analysis.
• Experience with process simulation software is advantageous.
• Strong understanding of chemical kinetics, reaction engineering, and thermodynamics.
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a research team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical reporting.
• Must be able to work in a hybrid capacity, requiring presence at our **Klerksdorp, North West** facility.

Benefits

• Our client offers an attractive salary, comprehensive benefits including medical aid and pension fund, generous research and development project opportunities, and support for ongoing professional development and training.
• Employees benefit from a stimulating R&D environment, access to advanced laboratory equipment, and the chance to contribute to cutting-edge scientific advancements.
• The company values innovation and provides a platform for ambitious engineers to grow their careers.