Junior Chemical Engineer - Plant Support

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 240,000 - 360,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Hybrid role

Career progression

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Junior Chemical Engineer to join the operations team in Mahikeng, North West. This entry-level role offers hands-on experience in a production environment, working with senior engineers to optimize processes and ensure safety and efficiency.

The ideal candidate will hold a chemical engineering degree, show enthusiasm to learn, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives in a supportive, development-focused setting.

Qualifications

• Chemical engineering degree from an accredited institution.
• 0–2 years of experience; internships/co-op valued.
• Strong fundamentals in chemical engineering concepts.
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities are essential.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist senior engineers in monitoring plant performance and identifying areas for improvement.
• Support troubleshooting efforts for process upsets and equipment malfunctions.
• Conduct data analysis for process optimization and reporting purposes.
• Help in the development and updating of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Participate in process hazard analyses and safety reviews.
• Assist with the preparation of technical reports and documentation.
• Work closely with production operators and maintenance teams.
• Learn and apply chemical engineering principles in a practical industrial setting.
• Ensure adherence to safety and environmental regulations.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Communication

Teamwork

MS Office

Plant environment

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a manufacturer of industrial chemicals, is seeking an enthusiastic Junior Chemical Engineer to join their operations team in Mahikeng, North West . This entry-level position offers a fantastic opportunity for a recent graduate to gain hands‑on experience in a production environment. You will support senior engineers in optimizing processes, troubleshooting operational issues, and ensuring plant safety and efficiency. The ideal candidate will have a strong academic foundation in chemical engineering, a keen interest in industrial applications, and a proactive approach to learning and problem‑solving. This role is crucial for supporting the daily functions of the plant and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives. Our client is committed to mentoring young talent and provides a structured development program. This position is perfect for someone looking to launch a successful career in chemical engineering.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist senior engineers in monitoring plant performance and identifying areas for improvement.
• Support troubleshooting efforts for process upsets and equipment malfunctions.
• Conduct data analysis for process optimization and reporting purposes.
• Help in the development and updating of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Participate in process hazard analyses and safety reviews.
• Assist with the preparation of technical reports and documentation.
• Work closely with production operators and maintenance teams.
• Learn and apply chemical engineering principles in a practical industrial setting.
• Ensure adherence to safety and environmental regulations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• 0-2 years of experience in chemical engineering, internships or co‑op experience is highly valued.
• Strong understanding of fundamental chemical engineering concepts.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Eagerness to learn and a proactive attitude.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work effectively in a plant environment.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Mahikeng, North West , with a hybrid work schedule.

Benefits

• We offer a competitive starting salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid and a provident fund.
• Opportunities for extensive on‑the‑job training and mentorship are provided.
• This hybrid role allows for a balance between on‑site operations support and flexible working arrangements.
• Our client provides a supportive team environment and clear pathways for career progression.
• This is an excellent opportunity for professional growth and development within the chemical industry.