Hybrid Chemical Process Engineer — Specialty Chemicals

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Competitive salary

Medical benefits

Retirement plan

Career development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Chemical Engineer to join its Port Elizabeth-based team. The role focuses on developing, optimizing, and scaling processes for specialty chemicals, with hands-on lab work, pilot plant trials, and support for full-scale manufacturing.

You will collaborate with R&D and manufacturing to transfer technology from lab to plant, ensure safe and economical operations, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives in a hybrid Port Elizabeth environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• 3–5 years of experience in process development or manufacturing within the specialty chemical industry.
• Hands-on laboratory synthesis and pilot plant operations.
• Knowledge of chemical reaction engineering and separation processes.
• Experience with project management is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize chemical synthesis routes and manufacturing processes for specialty chemicals.
• Conduct laboratory experiments and pilot plant trials to assess process feasibility and scalability.
• Analyze process data to identify areas for improvement and implement necessary changes.
• Troubleshoot production issues and provide technical support to manufacturing teams.
• Collaborate with R&D chemists and engineers to ensure smooth technology transfer from lab to plant.
• Prepare detailed process documentation, including batch records, SOPs, and PFDs.
• Ensure compliance with stringent quality, safety, and environmental regulations specific to specialty chemicals.
• Assist in the design and commissioning of new process equipment.
• Manage project timelines and resources for assigned development tasks.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the manufacturing operations.

Skills

Laboratory skills

Problem solving

Analytical thinking

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Chemical Engineer to join its Port Elizabeth-based team. The role focuses on developing, optimizing, and scaling processes for specialty chemicals, with hands-on lab work, pilot plant trials, and support for full-scale manufacturing.

You will collaborate with R&D and manufacturing to transfer technology from lab to plant, ensure safe and economical operations, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives in a hybrid Port Elizabeth environment.