Junior Chemical Engineer - Product Development

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 240,000 - 360,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Medical aid

Retirement planning

Mentoring environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Junior Chemical Engineer in Pretoria to join our innovative product development team. This entry-level role offers hands-on experience in developing and scaling new chemical products and processes, working alongside senior engineers on experimental design and pilot-scale testing.

The role emphasizes a strong theoretical foundation in chemical engineering, practical mindset, and passion for science, with exposure to data analysis and cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• 0-3 years of relevant experience; internships valued.
• Strong fundamentals in reaction engineering, thermodynamics and separation processes.
• Familiarity with lab equipment and safety protocols.
• Proficiency in data analysis and basic statistics.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the design and execution of laboratory experiments to test new chemical formulations and processes.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data, documenting findings clearly and concisely.
• Support pilot plant operations, including process setup, monitoring, and troubleshooting.
• Contribute to the scale-up of laboratory processes to pilot and eventually commercial scale.
• Prepare technical reports, summaries, and presentations for the R&D team.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure product development aligns with market needs and manufacturing capabilities.

Skills

Data analysis

Laboratory safety

Attention to detail

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Statistical software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for an enthusiastic and detail-oriented Junior Chemical Engineer to join their innovative product development team in Pretoria. This is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate or early-career professional to gain hands‑on experience in developing and scaling new chemical products and processes. You will work alongside senior engineers and researchers, contributing to experimental design, data analysis, and pilot‑scale testing. The role demands a strong theoretical understanding of chemical engineering principles combined with a practical mindset and a passion for scientific exploration and innovation within the chemical industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the design and execution of laboratory experiments to test new chemical formulations and processes.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data, documenting findings clearly and concisely.
• Support pilot plant operations, including process setup, monitoring, and troubleshooting.
• Contribute to the scale‑up of laboratory processes to pilot and eventually commercial scale.
• Prepare technical reports, summaries, and presentations for the R&D team.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to ensure product development aligns with market needs and manufacturing capabilities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• 0-3 years of relevant experience, internships or co-op placements are highly valued.
• Fundamental understanding of chemical reaction engineering, thermodynamics, and separation processes.
• Familiarity with laboratory equipment and safety protocols.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools and basic statistical methods.
• Eagerness to learn, strong attention to detail, and good communication skills.

Benefits

• Competitive entry-level salary with clear career progression paths.
• Access to cutting-edge research facilities and advanced training programs.
• Hybrid work model offering a blend of office-based collaboration and remote flexibility.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and retirement planning.
• A supportive and mentoring environment focused on professional growth.