Graduate Chemical Engineer

Elchemie Recruitment; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 336 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading EPC contractor in Johannesburg is looking for a motivated Graduate Chemical Engineer. The role involves exciting responsibilities in process design, commissioning, and providing technical support within the water treatment industry. Ideal candidates should have a BEng or BTech in Chemical Engineering and a strong academic record. A competitive salary package of R300,000 – R336,000 CTC per annum is offered alongside professional mentorship and international travel opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive remuneration package

Mentorship from experienced engineers

Opportunities for international travel

Qualifications

• Strong academic understanding of process design principles.
• 0–1 year of experience in water/wastewater treatment is advantageous.
• Valid Passport and willingness to travel.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed process engineering calculations.
• Support commissioning of water treatment plants.
• Assist with operator training.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Teamwork

Education

BEng or BTech in Chemical Engineering

Job description

Job Title : Graduate Chemical Engineer

Location : Johannesburg, Gauteng

Industry : Water Treatment

Type : Permanent / Environment : Engineering, EPC Projects, Technical

About the Role

An exciting opportunity exists for a Graduate Chemical Engineer to join a leading EPC contractor within the water and wastewater treatment industry. This is a hands‑on role where you’ll gain exposure to the full project lifecycle — from process design and equipment specification to plant commissioning and operator training. The ideal candidate is a motivated, detail‑oriented graduate who wants to develop technical expertise in process engineering and contribute to sustainable water treatment solutions. You’ll work alongside experienced engineers and gain valuable multi‑disciplinary exposure across mechanical, electrical, and process systems.

What you’ll be doing

Process Design Responsibilities

• Assist in performing detailed process engineering calculations, including mass and energy balances.
• Support process unit sizing and preparation of process data sheets.
• Contribute to the development and review of Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs).
• Compile and maintain equipment schedules, including equipment capacities and specifications.
• Participate in developing process control philosophies and design documentation.
• Assist with general arrangement and electrical functionality approvals.

Commissioning and Training

• Support commissioning activities on water and wastewater treatment plants.
• Travel locally and internationally as required (approximately 70% local / 30% international).
• Gain exposure to multidisciplinary work across process, mechanical, and electrical systems.
• Assist with operator training and technical documentation.

Sales and Technical Support

• Provide basic process design and technical input for proposal development.
• Assist with preparing basic equipment lists and process flow details for tenders and quotations.

What you’ll need

• BEng or BTech in Chemical Engineering (completed).
• 0–1 year of experience (industrial training or exposure to water / wastewater treatment advantageous).
• Strong academic understanding of process design principles, mass and energy balances, and P&ID interpretation.
• Eagerness to learn, with good analytical, problem‑solving, and teamwork skills.
• Willingness to travel (local and international).
• Valid Passport.
• Medically fit to work in various environments, including confined spaces and heights.
• Valid driver’s license preferred and own vehicle.

What is in it for you?

• Permanent position with a respected EPC engineering contractor.
• Competitive package : R300 000 – R336 000 CTC per annum (based on qualifications & experience) Competitive remuneration package based on qualifications and experience.
• Mentorship from experienced process and project engineers.Exposure to full project lifecycle – from design through commissioning.
• Opportunities for international travel and professional development.

A Few Things to Know

• Based in Johannesburg (Fourways area) – travel is required (local and international).
• This is a graduate-level position offering structured technical growth.
• Applicants must be medically fit for site work.

Ready to Apply?

Click Apply and Please complete your application in full.

If you don’t hear from us within 3 months, your application was not successful. However, we may contact you for other roles in the future (with your permission).

Data Privacy Notice

By applying, you consent to Elchemie processing your personal data for the purpose of job matching. Your data will be securely stored and shared only with trusted service providers and clients.