Junior Chemical Engineer - Process Development

Placements24; Vereeniging; On-site; ZAR 230,000 - 350,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Junior Chemical Engineer to join its Process Development team in Vereeniging, Gauteng. This entry-level role offers hands-on experience refining chemical manufacturing processes and supporting senior engineers.

Based at the client facility, you will conduct experiments, analyze data, and contribute to process improvements while developing foundational skills in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• 0-3 years of experience in chemical engineering, including internships or co-op placements.
• Familiarity with laboratory equipment and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the design and execution of laboratory and pilot-scale experiments.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret process data.
• Support senior engineers in troubleshooting process issues and implementing solutions.
• Help develop and update process documentation, including PFDs and SOPs.
• Participate in process hazard analyses (PHAs) and safety reviews.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives for existing manufacturing processes.
• Learn and apply chemical engineering principles to practical problems.
• Collaborate with research, development, and production teams.
• Maintain accurate records of experimental results and observations.
• Ensure adherence to all safety and environmental guidelines.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication skills

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a growing enterprise in the specialty chemical sector, is actively seeking a motivated Junior Chemical Engineer to join their Process Development team in Vereeniging, Gauteng. This role is perfect for a recent graduate or early-career engineer eager to gain practical experience in optimizing and refining chemical manufacturing processes. You will support senior engineers in conducting experiments, analyzing data, and implementing process improvements. This is a fantastic entry-level opportunity to build a strong foundation in chemical engineering within a supportive and innovative company located in Vereeniging.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the design and execution of laboratory and pilot-scale experiments.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret process data.
• Support senior engineers in troubleshooting process issues and implementing solutions.
• Help develop and update process documentation, including PFDs and SOPs.
• Participate in process hazard analyses (PHAs) and safety reviews.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives for existing manufacturing processes.
• Learn and apply chemical engineering principles to practical problems.
• Collaborate with research, development, and production teams.
• Maintain accurate records of experimental results and observations.
• Ensure adherence to all safety and environmental guidelines.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• 0-3 years of experience in chemical engineering, including internships or co-op placements.
• Solid understanding of fundamental chemical engineering principles (thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, mass transfer).
• Basic knowledge of process design and optimization concepts.
• Familiarity with laboratory equipment and procedures.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving aptitude.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Must be legally eligible to work in South Africa.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive starting salary, comprehensive health benefits, and excellent opportunities for professional growth and training. This role provides a solid platform for career development in process engineering. The position is based at our client's facility in Vereeniging, Gauteng, requiring dedicated on-site work.