Junior Chemical Engineer - Plant Operations

Placements24; Rustenburg; On-site; ZAR 240,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

On-the-job training

Mentorship

Wellness programs

Job summary

Placements24 in Rustenburg, South Africa, invites a recent Chemical Engineering graduate to join as a Junior Chemical Engineer. You will support day-to-day plant operations, monitor processes, collect data, and assist with troubleshooting under guidance from senior engineers.

Based at our Rustenburg facility, you will gain hands-on experience with various chemical processes, contribute to continuous improvement, and learn SOPs while working in a collaborative team that values safety and accuracy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Strong academic record and keen interest in industrial chemical processes.
• Excellent understanding of fundamental chemical engineering principles.
• Effective written and verbal communication; attention to detail.
• Willingness to work full-time at the Rustenburg facility.

Responsibilities

• Assist engineers in monitoring chemical processes for optimal performance and quality.
• Collect and analyze process data; generate reports on KPIs and trends.
• Support troubleshooting for deviations and equipment issues; document findings.
• Participate in plant inspections and safety audits for compliance.
• Conduct basic laboratory tests for process control and quality assurance.
• Assist in implementing small process improvements under supervision.
• Maintain accurate operational logs and documentation.
• Learn and apply SOPs for all tasks.

Skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly growing chemical manufacturing company based in **Rustenburg, North West**, is seeking an enthusiastic and diligent Junior Chemical Engineer to join their operational team. This is an exceptional entry-level opportunity for a recent graduate to gain hands‑on experience in a challenging and rewarding industrial environment. You will be involved in supporting day‑to‑day plant operations, assisting with process monitoring, data collection, and troubleshooting under the guidance of senior engineers. The role is crucial for ensuring the efficient and safe functioning of our production lines. Working within the **Rustenburg** facility, you will have direct exposure to various chemical processes and technologies, contributing to continuous improvement initiatives and learning the foundational aspects of industrial chemical engineering. This position requires a strong desire to learn and develop practical skills in a hands‑on setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist senior engineers in monitoring and controlling chemical processes to ensure optimal performance and product quality.
• Collect and analyze process data, generating reports on key performance indicators and operational trends.
• Support troubleshooting efforts for process deviations and equipment issues, documenting findings and proposed solutions.
• Participate in plant inspections and safety audits to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Conduct basic laboratory tests and analyses as required for process control and quality assurance.
• Assist in the implementation of minor process improvements and modifications under supervision.
• Contribute to maintaining accurate operational logs and documentation.
• Learn and apply company standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all tasks.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• A strong academic record with a keen interest in industrial chemical processes.
• Excellent understanding of fundamental chemical engineering principles.
• Good analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team and take direction from supervisors.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Willingness to work full‑time in our **Rustenburg, North West** facility.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive starting salary, comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and a provident fund, extensive on‑the‑job training, and mentorship from experienced engineers. This role provides a solid foundation for a career in chemical engineering, with opportunities for advancement within the company based on performance and development. Employees also have access to wellness programs and a supportive team environment within the **Rustenburg** industrial hub.