Junior Chemical Engineer - R&D Support

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 300,000 - 420,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Training and development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Junior Chemical Engineer to support the R&D team in Benoni, Gauteng. The role offers a hybrid work arrangement with on-site collaboration and selective remote tasks, ideal for graduates or early-career engineers aiming to develop in process development and scale-up.

You will assist senior staff with experiments, data analysis, and documentation, while learning fundamental chemical engineering concepts and contributing to new product development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• 0–3 years of relevant experience, including internships or co-ops.
• Strong understanding of fundamental chemical engineering principles (thermodynamics, kinetics, transport phenomena).
• Proficiency in basic data analysis and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel).

Responsibilities

• Assist design and execution of lab and pilot-scale experiments under senior staff guidance.
• Collect, record, and analyze experimental data using appropriate software.
• Prepare and maintain detailed experimental procedures and reports.
• Support scale-up of chemical processes from lab to pilot plant; assist with equipment setup and troubleshooting.
• Conduct literature reviews to support new project development.
• Maintain safety compliance in lab and pilot-plant areas.

Skills

Data analysis

Communication skills

Teamwork

Independence

Education

Bachelors degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Laboratory equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a research-intensive organization in the chemical sector, is seeking an enthusiastic Junior Chemical Engineer to provide vital support to their Research and Development (R&D) team in Benoni, Gauteng . This role is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious graduate or early-career engineer to gain hands-on experience in process development, experimentation, and scale-up activities. You will assist senior engineers and scientists in designing and conducting experiments, analyzing data, and contributing to the development of new chemical products and processes. The position offers a hybrid work arrangement, allowing for collaboration at the Benoni site while offering flexibility for remote work on specific tasks. The ideal candidate is eager to learn, possesses strong theoretical knowledge, and demonstrates a keen interest in chemical process innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the design and execution of laboratory and pilot-scale experiments under the guidance of senior staff.
• Collect, record, and analyze experimental data accurately using appropriate software tools.
• Prepare and maintain detailed experimental procedures and reports.
• Support the scale-up of chemical processes from lab to pilot plant, assisting with equipment setup and troubleshooting.
• Conduct literature reviews and research to support new project development.
• Ensure laboratory and pilot plant areas are maintained safely and in compliance with all relevant regulations.
• Assist in the preparation of Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs) and Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs).
• Collaborate effectively with R&D scientists, technicians, and other engineers.
• Participate in team meetings and contribute ideas for process improvements and new product development.
• Learn and apply fundamental chemical engineering principles to practical challenges.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Zero to three years of relevant experience, including internships or co-op placements.
• Strong understanding of fundamental chemical engineering principles (thermodynamics, kinetics, transport phenomena).
• Proficiency in basic data analysis and Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel).
• Familiarity with laboratory equipment and safety procedures.
• Eagerness to learn and develop new skills in process development and scale-up.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Must be able to commute to Benoni, Gauteng for on-site work and be open to a hybrid work model.

Benefits

• Competitive entry-level salary with regular performance reviews.
• Comprehensive medical aid and provident fund.
• Excellent training and development opportunities with mentorship from experienced professionals.
• Paid vacation and company holidays.
• Exposure to innovative R&D projects and cutting-edge technology.
• A supportive and encouraging work environment for career growth.