Chemical Engineer - Speciality Chemicals

Placements24; Centurion; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in Centurion, Gauteng, seeks a motivated Chemical Engineer to drive process development, scale-up, and optimization for high-value chemical products. The role includes hands-on lab work, pilot plant trials, and collaboration with R&D and production teams in a hybrid work setting.

The successful candidate will translate new syntheses into robust manufacturing processes, leveraging a strong academic background and practical aptitude to advance specialty chemical manufacturing in

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• 1-3 years of experience in chemical process development, scale-up, or manufacturing.
• Hands-on laboratory experience and familiarity with experimental design.
• Basic understanding of chemical kinetics, thermodynamics, and mass transfer.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; experience with process simulation software is a plus.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Eagerness to learn and adapt to new technologies and processes.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the design and development of new chemical processes, from bench-scale to pilot and commercial production.
• Conduct experiments and trials to optimize reaction conditions, yields, and product purity.
• Analyze experimental data and prepare reports detailing process findings and recommendations.
• Develop and document standard operating procedures (SOPs) for new and existing processes.
• Troubleshoot process deviations and implement solutions to maintain product quality and operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with the R&D team on process scale-up challenges and technology transfer.
• Ensure all work is conducted in compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
• Participate in process hazard analyses and safety reviews.

Skills

Lab experience

Analytical thinking

Communication

Problem solving

Teamwork

Independence

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

Process simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a cutting-edge manufacturer of specialty chemicals, is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Chemical Engineer to join their innovative team in Centurion, Gauteng. This role focuses on process development, scale-up, and optimization for a range of high-value chemical products.

The successful candidate will be involved in hands-on laboratory work, pilot plant trials, and contributing to full-scale production process improvements.

This hybrid position allows for a blend of in-office collaboration and remote work flexibility, ensuring a dynamic and productive work environment.

You will work closely with R&D chemists and production teams to translate new chemical syntheses into robust and efficient manufacturing processes.

We are looking for an individual with a strong academic background and practical aptitude, eager to contribute to the advancement of specialty chemical manufacturing in Centurion, Gauteng. This is an excellent opportunity for a rising engineer to gain broad experience in a fast-paced, technologically advanced setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the design and development of new chemical processes, from bench-scale to pilot and commercial production.
• Conduct experiments and trials to optimize reaction conditions, yields, and product purity.
• Analyze experimental data and prepare reports detailing process findings and recommendations.
• Develop and document standard operating procedures (SOPs) for new and existing processes.
• Troubleshoot process deviations and implement solutions to maintain product quality and operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with the R&D team on process scale-up challenges and technology transfer.
• Ensure all work is conducted in compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
• Participate in process hazard analyses and safety reviews.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• 1-3 years of experience in chemical process development, scale-up, or manufacturing, preferably in specialty chemicals or fine chemicals.
• Hands‑on laboratory experience and familiarity with experimental design.
• Basic understanding of chemical kinetics, thermodynamics, and mass transfer.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; experience with process simulation software is a plus.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Eagerness to learn and adapt to new technologies and processes.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, health benefits package, opportunities for further training and professional development, and a stimulating work environment in Centurion, Gauteng. Enjoy the flexibility of a hybrid work model while contributing to innovative chemical solutions.