Junior Chemical Engineer - New Product Development

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 50,000 - 84,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Stipend

Hands-on experience

Mentorship

Networking

Job summary

Placements24 in Bloemfontein is seeking a Junior Chemical Engineer intern to support process development, lab testing, and production activities under senior engineers, gaining hands-on experience with new formulations and scale-up projects.

The program offers mentorship, a stipend, exposure to R&D and pilot plant operations, and opportunities to contribute to real-world chemical engineering projects in a supportive Bloemfontein environment.

Qualifications

• Recent graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Strong academic record with a foundational understanding of chemical engineering principles.
• Eagerness to learn and develop skills in process development and analysis.
• Basic knowledge of laboratory techniques and equipment.
• Familiarity with process safety concepts is a plus.
• Good analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Must be available for the duration of the internship program in Bloemfontein.

Responsibilities

• Assist senior engineers in the design and execution of experiments for new product development.
• Conduct laboratory tests and analyze results to support process optimisation.
• Help in the preparation of process documentation, including experimental procedures and reports.
• Support pilot plant operations and data collection.
• Learn and apply process safety principles in laboratory and plant settings.
• Collaborate with R&D chemists and technicians.
• Maintain accurate records of experiments and findings.
• Contribute to troubleshooting of minor process issues under supervision.
• Participate in team meetings and contribute ideas for process improvements.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Laboratory techniques

Process safety awareness

Team collaboration

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Pilot plant equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a growing chemical company focused on innovative product development, is offering an exciting internship opportunity for a Junior Chemical Engineer in Bloemfontein, Free State. This internship is designed for recent graduates eager to gain practical experience in process development, laboratory testing, and production support. You will work closely with senior engineers on projects involving new chemical formulations and process scale-up. This role provides an excellent foundation for a career in chemical engineering, offering hands-on learning in a supportive environment. The intern will be an integral part of the team, contributing to real-world projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist senior engineers in the design and execution of experiments for new product development.
• Conduct laboratory tests and analyze results to support process optimisation.
• Help in the preparation of process documentation, including experimental procedures and reports.
• Support pilot plant operations and data collection.
• Learn and apply process safety principles in laboratory and plant settings.
• Collaborate with R&D chemists and technicians.
• Maintain accurate records of experiments and findings.
• Contribute to troubleshooting of minor process issues under supervision.
• Participate in team meetings and contribute ideas for process improvements.

Requirements

• Recent graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Strong academic record with a foundational understanding of chemical engineering principles.
• Eagerness to learn and develop skills in process development and analysis.
• Basic knowledge of laboratory techniques and equipment.
• Familiarity with process safety concepts is a plus.
• Good analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to follow instructions accurately and work diligently.
• Proficiency in standard office software (Microsoft Office Suite).
• Must be available for the duration of the internship program in Bloemfontein.

Benefits

• Stipend provided for the duration of the internship.
• Hands-on experience in chemical process development and R&D.
• Mentorship from experienced chemical engineers.
• Opportunity to contribute to innovative projects.
• Networking opportunities within the chemical industry.
• Exposure to a professional working environment in Bloemfontein.