Chemical Engineer - Specialty Chemicals Development

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Sur place; ZAR 900 000 - 1 300 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Career advancement opportunities

Résumé du poste

Placements24 seeks a talented Chemical Engineer to join the R&D centre in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. You will develop novel chemical formulations and processes, performing bench-scale synthesis, pilot plant trials, and supporting scale-up to commercial production.

The ideal candidate holds a Master's degree or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or Organic Chemistry with 5+ years in product development or R&D, strong organic synthesis skills, and proficiency in analytical techniques and data

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or Organic Chemistry.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in chemical product development, process R&D, or a related field.
• Strong background in organic synthesis and reaction mechanisms.
• Proficiency with common analytical instrumentation and data interpretation.
• Experience with process simulation and design tools is an advantage.

Responsabilités

• Design and conduct laboratory experiments for synthesis and optimisation of specialty chemical products.
• Develop and validate new chemical processes, ensuring scalability and economic viability.
• Characterise chemical products using analytical techniques (e.g., HPLC, GC-MS, NMR, FTIR).
• Troubleshoot process-related issues during laboratory development and pilot plant operations.
• Prepare detailed technical reports and research summaries.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet product development timelines.
• Evaluate raw materials and intermediates for quality and suitability.
• Maintain a safe and organised laboratory environment.

Connaissances

Process R&D

Organic synthesis

Analytical techniques

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Formation

Master's degree or PhD in Chemical Engineering or Organic Chemistry

Outils

Analytical instrumentation

Data interpretation

Description du poste

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in specialty chemicals, is seeking a talented and driven Chemical Engineer to join their Research and Development department in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. This role focuses on the development of novel chemical formulations and processes for niche markets. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in organic chemistry, process development, and analytical techniques. You will be involved in bench‑scale synthesis, pilot plant trials, and supporting the scale‑up to commercial production. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting‑edge product development in a dynamic scientific environment. The role is based at our client's advanced R&D centre in Stellenbosch, Western Cape.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and conduct laboratory experiments for the synthesis and optimisation of specialty chemical products.
• Develop and validate new chemical processes, ensuring scalability and economic viability.
• Characterise chemical products using a range of analytical techniques (e.g., HPLC, GC-MS, NMR, FTIR).
• Troubleshoot process-related issues during laboratory development and pilot plant operations.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, documentation, and research summaries.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including marketing, sales, and production, to meet product development timelines.
• Evaluate raw materials and intermediates for quality and suitability.
• Maintain a safe and organised laboratory environment, adhering to all safety protocols.
• Stay abreast of new chemical technologies and market trends in the specialty chemicals sector.
• Assist in the transfer of developed processes from the R&D lab to the manufacturing plant.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or Organic Chemistry.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in chemical product development, process R&D, or a related field.
• Strong background in organic synthesis and reaction mechanisms.
• Proficiency with common analytical instrumentation and data interpretation.
• Experience with process simulation and design tools is an advantage.
• Excellent problem‑solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex technical information clearly.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team‑oriented environment.
• Detail‑oriented with strong organisational skills.
• A passion for innovation and developing new chemical solutions.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including health insurance and retirement contributions.
• They provide ample opportunities for professional growth, further training, and career advancement.
• The R&D environment in Stellenbosch, Western Cape is intellectually stimulating and collaborative.
• Employees have access to state‑of-the‑art laboratory facilities and the chance to work on innovative projects that shape future chemical applications.