Innovative Specialty Chemicals R&D Engineer (Hybrid)

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Bonus structure

Retirement plan

Hybrid work environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Specialty Chemicals Development Engineer for our client’s R&D team in Sandton, Gauteng. The role focuses on hands-on development of new chemical formulations, optimizing existing products, and supporting commercialization.

You will work with chemists and application specialists to bring novel solutions to market across industries. The ideal candidate has a strong background in chemical synthesis, process development, and a passion for innovative chemical products.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry with emphasis on organic synthesis or materials science.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in chemical product development, especially specialty chemicals.
• Proven lab-scale process development and optimization experience.
• Strong understanding of synthesis, kinetics, and separation techniques.
• Experience with scale-up principles and pilot plant operations is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute laboratory experiments for new specialty chemical formulations and synthesis routes.
• Optimize processes to improve yield, purity, efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Characterize new materials and products using analytical techniques (spectroscopy, chromatography).
• Develop and validate analytical methods for quality control.
• Conduct pilot-scale trials and support scale-up to manufacturing.
• Troubleshoot technical issues related to product performance and manufacturing.
• Collaborate with marketing, sales, and manufacturing for product launches and lifecycle management.
• Prepare technical reports and documentation for stakeholders.
• Stay informed about market trends and scientific advancements in specialty chemicals.
• Ensure R&D activities comply with safety, health, and environmental regulations.

Skills

Chemical synthesis

Process development

Analytical data interpretation

Lab-scale experimentation

Education

Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry

Tools

Spectroscopy

Chromatography

Analytical instrumentation

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Specialty Chemicals Development Engineer for our client’s R&D team in Sandton, Gauteng. The role focuses on hands-on development of new chemical formulations, optimizing existing products, and supporting commercialization.

You will work with chemists and application specialists to bring novel solutions to market across industries. The ideal candidate has a strong background in chemical synthesis, process development, and a passion for innovative chemical products.