Junior Chemical Engineer - Plant Operations

Placements24; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 320,000 - 420,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive starting salary

Medical aid

Pension plan

Job summary

Placements24 in Paarl, Western Cape, is seeking a Junior Chemical Engineer to join the operations team. This entry-level role offers hands-on experience in plant operations, process monitoring, and troubleshooting under the guidance of senior engineers and plant supervisors.

The ideal candidate holds a BEng or BSc in Chemical Engineering and has 0–3 years of relevant experience. Full-time on-site work, with opportunities for growth in a supportive team environment.

Qualifications

• BEng or BSc in Chemical Engineering from an accredited university.
• 0-3 years of relevant experience in the chemical industry or related field; internships valued.
• Basic understanding of chemical processes, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics.
• Familiarity with safety procedures and environmental regulations in a plant setting.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good communication and teamwork abilities.
• Must work full-time on-site in Paarl, Western Cape.

Responsibilities

• Assist senior engineers in monitoring plant operations and process performance.
• Support troubleshooting for operational issues and process upsets.
• Conduct routine process data analysis and generate performance reports.
• Participate in process safety reviews and hazard identification activities.
• Assist in developing and updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and quality regulations.
• Gain experience with process control systems and instrumentation.
• Support minor process improvement projects under guidance of senior staff.
• Learn and apply chemical engineering principles in a plant environment.
• Contribute to maintaining a safe and efficient work atmosphere.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Teamwork

Communication

Education

BEng or BSc in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process simulation software

Job description

About the Role Our client, a well-established chemical manufacturer, is looking for an enthusiastic and driven Junior Chemical Engineer to join their operational team in Paarl, Western Cape . This is an excellent entry-level opportunity for a recent graduate or an engineer with 1-3 years of experience to gain hands-on knowledge in plant operations, process monitoring, and troubleshooting. You will work closely with senior engineers and plant supervisors to ensure the safe and efficient running of production units. This role requires full-time dedication on-site at our Paarl facility, providing invaluable practical experience in the chemical industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist senior engineers in monitoring plant operations and process performance.
• Support troubleshooting efforts for operational issues and process upsets.
• Conduct routine process data analysis and generate performance reports.
• Participate in process safety reviews and hazard identification activities.
• Assist in the development and updating of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, and quality regulations.
• Gain experience with process control systems and instrumentation.
• Support minor process improvement projects under the guidance of senior staff.
• Learn and apply principles of chemical engineering in a practical plant environment.
• Contribute to maintaining a safe and efficient work atmosphere.

Requirements

• BEng or BSc in Chemical Engineering from an accredited university.
• 0-3 years of relevant experience in the chemical industry or a related field; internships or co-op experience is highly valued.
• Basic understanding of chemical processes, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics.
• Familiarity with safety procedures and environmental regulations in a plant setting.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good communication and teamwork abilities.
• Eagerness to learn and develop professionally.
• Must be able to work full-time on-site in Paarl, Western Cape .
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with process simulation software is a plus.
• A proactive attitude and commitment to safety.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive starting salary, comprehensive benefits including medical aid and pension, and significant opportunities for career growth and development within the company. This role provides excellent exposure to core chemical plant operations and professional mentorship. You will be joining a supportive team in a key industrial area of the Western Cape .