Chemical Engineer - Research & Development

Placements24; Richards Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an innovative Chemical Engineer to join its cutting-edge R&D team in Richards Bay. You will drive the development of novel chemical products and processes, from concept and laboratory work to pilot-scale testing and technology transfer.

The ideal candidate holds a Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering with 3–5 years of R&D experience, expertise in lab-scale and scale-up, and strong writing and presentation skills.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or related field with strong R&D focus.
• 3–5 years of experience in chemical research and development, preferably in specialty chemicals or materials science.
• Proven ability to design and conduct complex experiments and analyze results.
• Experience with lab-scale and pilot-scale process development and scale-up.
• Strong knowledge of organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, or materials science principles.

Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory experiments and pilot-scale studies to develop new chemical products and optimize existing formulations.
• Design and execute research projects, analyze data, and interpret results to draw conclusions and make recommendations.
• Collaborate with chemists, material scientists, and other engineers to advance R&D initiatives.
• Scale-up processes from laboratory bench to pilot plant, identifying and resolving scale-up challenges.
• Prepare technical reports, research proposals, and present findings to technical and management audiences.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific literature, patents, and industry trends in chemical R&D.

Skills

Chemical engineering

R&D experience

Lab-scale & pilot-scale

Technical writing

Presentation skills

Education

Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for an innovative Chemical Engineer to join their cutting-edge Research & Development team in Richards Bay. This role is perfect for a curious and scientifically driven individual passionate about developing novel chemical products and processes. You will be involved in the full R&D lifecycle, from initial concept generation and laboratory experimentation to pilot-scale testing and technology transfer. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to significant advancements in chemical science and technology within a forward-thinking organization that values creativity and scientific rigor.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory experiments and pilot-scale studies to develop new chemical products and optimize existing formulations.
• Design and execute research projects, analyze data, and interpret results to draw conclusions and make recommendations.
• Collaborate with chemists, material scientists, and other engineers to advance R&D initiatives.
• Scale-up processes from laboratory bench to pilot plant, identifying and resolving scale-up challenges.
• Prepare technical reports, research proposals, and present findings to technical and management audiences.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific literature, patents, and industry trends in chemical R&D.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or a related field with a strong R&D focus.
• 3-5 years of experience in chemical research and development, preferably in specialty chemicals or materials science.
• Proven ability to design and conduct complex experiments and analyze results.
• Experience with lab-scale and pilot-scale process development and scale-up.
• Strong knowledge of organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, or materials science principles.
• Excellent technical writing and presentation skills.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Significant opportunities for innovation and intellectual property contribution.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous professional development budget for conferences and further training.
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and research equipment.