Chemical Engineer - Research & Development

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 650,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Randburg, South Africa is seeking a Chemical Engineer for a Research & Development role focused on discovery, development, and scale-up of new chemical products. The hybrid position blends lab work with remote analysis, collaborating with senior researchers and manufacturing teams to drive innovation.

The ideal candidate has a strong academic background with 3–7 years in R&D, process development or scale-up, and solid skills in experimentation, data analysis, and technical

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering or related science.
• 3–7 years in chemical R&D, process development or scale-up.
• Strong foundation in chemistry, kinetics, thermodynamics and separations.
• Hands-on lab skills and data analysis; clear technical writing.
• Hybrid work experience and collaboration with manufacturing teams.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct lab experiments for new reactions, materials and processes.
• Analyze data, draw conclusions, and prepare technical reports.
• Develop and optimize synthesis routes and manufacturing processes.
• Plan and execute pilot plant trials to validate scalability.
• Collaborate with R&D, product development and manufacturing engineers.
• Ensure safety, regulatory and IP compliance in all activities.
• Troubleshoot technical challenges in the R&D workflow.
• Stay current with scientific literature and publish findings when applicable.
• Assist in transferring processes from R&D to manufacturing.

Skills

Chemical engineering

R&D experience

Data analysis

Experiment design

Problem solving

Technical writing

Education

Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking innovator in advanced chemical solutions, is seeking a talented Chemical Engineer to join their Research & Development team in **Randburg, Gauteng**. This role is instrumental in the discovery, development, and scale-up of new chemical products and processes. You will be involved in experimental design, laboratory testing, pilot plant trials, and the translation of findings into viable commercial applications. This hybrid role offers a stimulating environment where you can leverage your scientific curiosity and engineering acumen, working closely with senior researchers and manufacturing teams, with flexibility for remote analysis and documentation. The ideal candidate will have a strong academic background, practical R&D experience, and a passion for innovation. You will contribute to cutting-edge projects that shape the future of the chemical industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and conduct laboratory experiments to investigate new chemical reactions, materials, and processes.
• Analyze experimental data, draw conclusions, and prepare detailed technical reports.
• Develop and optimize chemical synthesis routes and manufacturing processes for new products.
• Plan and execute pilot plant trials to validate process scalability and gather performance data.
• Collaborate with the R&D team, product development managers, and manufacturing engineers.
• Ensure all R&D activities adhere to safety protocols, environmental regulations, and intellectual property guidelines.
• Troubleshoot technical challenges encountered during the R&D process.
• Stay current with scientific literature and technological advancements in relevant fields.
• Contribute to patent applications and technical publications.
• Assist in the transfer of new processes from R&D to manufacturing.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or a related science discipline.
• 3-7 years of experience in chemical research and development, process development, or scale-up.
• Strong theoretical foundation in chemistry, reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and separations.
• Hands-on experience with laboratory equipment and analytical techniques.
• Experience with process simulation software is advantageous.
• Excellent problem-solving, critical thinking, and data analysis skills.
• Proficiency in technical writing and report generation.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, balancing laboratory work with remote analysis.
• Experience in **Randburg, Gauteng** R&D settings is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and retirement fund, and significant opportunities for professional growth and skill development. This hybrid role based in **Randburg, Gauteng** provides a stimulating work environment at the forefront of chemical innovation. You'll be part of a dynamic R&D team focused on bringing groundbreaking chemical solutions to market.