Junior Chemical Engineer - Plant Operations

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 320,000 - 520,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Structured training

Mentorship

Career growth

Safety culture

Job summary

Placements24 invites applications for a Junior Chemical Engineer to join our Durban plant operations team. This entry‑level role is ideal for a recent graduate eager to gain hands‑on experience in a real chemical manufacturing environment and contribute to safe, efficient operations.

You will support daily plant activities, monitor processes, and learn from seasoned engineers through a structured training program and mentorship aimed at building foundational industry skills.

Qualifications

• Solid understanding of fundamental chemical engineering principles.

Responsibilities

• Monitor plant operations and process parameters to ensure optimal performance and adherence to production schedules.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Communication

Proactive learning

Education

BEng or BSc in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process control systems

Instrumentation

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a motivated Junior Chemical Engineer to join their plant operations team in Durban . This is an excellent entry-level opportunity for a recent graduate to gain hands‑on experience in a real‑world chemical manufacturing environment. You will support the daily operations of the plant, assist with process monitoring, troubleshooting, and the implementation of minor improvements. This role is ideal for an individual eager to learn, apply academic knowledge, and grow their career within the chemical industry, contributing to the efficient and safe functioning of our production facilities in Durban .

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor plant operations and process parameters to ensure optimal performance and adherence to production schedules.
• Assist senior engineers in troubleshooting operational issues and implementing corrective actions.
• Support the execution of process change initiatives and equipment modifications.
• Maintain accurate operational logs and prepare shift reports.
• Participate in safety inspections and ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations.
• Conduct basic process calculations and data analysis for performance evaluation.

Requirements

• BEng or BSc in Chemical Engineering .
• Zero to two years of experience in a chemical plant or related industrial environment.
• Solid understanding of fundamental chemical engineering principles.
• Familiarity with process control systems and instrumentation is advantageous.
• Good analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Strong communication skills and a proactive attitude towards learning.

Benefits

• Competitive starting salary and benefits package.
• Structured training program and mentorship from experienced engineers.
• Opportunities for career advancement within the organization.
• Exposure to diverse chemical processes and operations in Durban .
• A supportive and collaborative work environment focused on safety and continuous improvement.