Junior Chemical Engineer - R&D

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 240,000 - 320,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary growth opportunities

Health insurance & retirement plan

Mentorship program

Diverse R&D projects

Supportive team environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a junior chemical engineer to join its R&D team in Port Elizabeth. This entry-level role offers hands-on experience in designing experiments, analyzing data, and supporting process development.

You will work with senior engineers across manufacturing and QA, contributing to literature reviews, safety compliance, and documentation of results. A Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering is required, with a proactive, detail-oriented mindset.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Strong academic record with a focus on chemical process principles and laboratory techniques.
• Familiarity with laboratory safety procedures and basic equipment operation.
• Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail for data collection and interpretation.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to document technical information effectively.
• Proactive attitude and eagerness to learn new skills and technologies within an R&D setting.

Responsibilities

• Assist senior engineers in designing and executing laboratory experiments for product and process development.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data, preparing clear and concise reports on findings.
• Support the scale-up of laboratory processes to pilot plant trials, documenting all procedures and results.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, manage chemical inventory, and ensure adherence to safety protocols.
• Conduct literature reviews and research to identify new technologies and potential application areas.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing and quality assurance, on R&D projects.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an enthusiastic and detail-oriented Junior Chemical Engineer to join their Research and Development team in Port Elizabeth . This is an excellent entry-level opportunity for a recent graduate passionate about chemical innovation and process development. You will support senior engineers in experimental design, data analysis, and the development of new chemical products and processes. Working within a collaborative research environment, you will gain hands‑on experience and contribute to cutting‑edge projects that drive the company's future growth. This role is ideal for an individual eager to build a strong foundation in chemical R&D.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist senior engineers in designing and executing laboratory experiments for product and process development.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data, preparing clear and concise reports on findings.
• Support the scale‑up of laboratory processes to pilot plant trials, documenting all procedures and results.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, manage chemical inventory, and ensure adherence to safety protocols.
• Conduct literature reviews and research to identify new technologies and potential application areas.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including manufacturing and quality assurance, on R&D projects.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Strong academic record with a focus on chemical process principles and laboratory techniques.
• Familiarity with laboratory safety procedures and basic equipment operation.
• Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail for data collection and interpretation.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to document technical information effectively.
• Proactive attitude and eagerness to learn new skills and technologies within an R&D setting.

Benefits

• Competitive entry-level salary and opportunities for salary growth based on performance.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement savings plan.
• Mentorship program and extensive training in chemical research and development.
• Exposure to diverse R&D projects and potential for career advancement within the company.
• A supportive and innovative team environment conducive to learning and professional growth.