Junior Chemical Engineer - Research & Development

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Mentorship

Professional development

Remote-friendly

Paid time off

Lab access

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Junior Chemical Engineer to join a remote-friendly R&D team with occasional visits to Centurion, Gauteng. This role is ideal for a recent graduate or early-career professional eager to contribute to novel chemical products and processes.

You will work on lab experiments, data analysis, and pilot-scale testing under guidance from senior researchers. The position emphasizes hands-on laboratory work, strong theoretical grounding in chemical engineering, and collaboration

Qualifications

• B.Sc. or B.Eng. in Chemical Engineering.
• 0–2 years of experience in a research or development setting.
• Strong theoretical knowledge of chemical engineering principles and organic/inorganic chemistry.
• Hands-on laboratory experience with synthesis, analysis, and characterization techniques.
• Familiarity with data analysis software (e.g., Excel, MATLAB).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High level of organization and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a remote team.
• Willingness to travel to Centurion, Gauteng for occasional meetings and lab work.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the design and execution of laboratory experiments for new product development.
• Conduct literature reviews and gather data to support research initiatives.
• Perform chemical synthesis, formulation, and characterization of new materials.
• Analyze experimental data using statistical methods and generate reports.
• Support pilot plant trials and scale-up activities.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure a safe working environment.
• Collaborate with senior engineers and scientists on R&D projects.
• Assist in the preparation of patent applications and research publications.
• Troubleshoot experimental procedures and equipment issues.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of R&D processes and methodologies.

Skills

Data analysis

Lab skills

Experimentation

Documentation

Remote collaboration

Education

B.Sc./B.Eng. in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Excel

MATLAB

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering force in the materials science industry, is seeking an ambitious and innovative Junior Chemical Engineer to join their Research and Development team based remotely, with occasional visits to their facilities in Centurion, Gauteng. This role is perfect for a recent graduate or early-career professional eager to contribute to the development of novel chemical products and processes. You will be involved in laboratory experiments, data analysis, and pilot-scale testing, working under the guidance of senior researchers. The ideal candidate will possess a strong academic foundation in chemical engineering and a passion for scientific discovery. This is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a cutting-edge R&D environment, contributing to projects that have the potential to reshape industries. We are looking for a curious and detail-oriented individual who thrives in a collaborative, remote-first setting but is adaptable for occasional on-site needs in Centurion, Gauteng. Your fresh perspective and enthusiasm will be key to our ongoing innovation efforts.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the design and execution of laboratory experiments for new product development.
• Conduct literature reviews and gather data to support research initiatives.
• Perform chemical synthesis, formulation, and characterization of new materials.
• Analyze experimental data using statistical methods and generate reports.
• Support pilot plant trials and scale-up activities.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure a safe working environment.
• Collaborate with senior engineers and scientists on R&D projects.
• Assist in the preparation of patent applications and research publications.
• Troubleshoot experimental procedures and equipment issues.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of R&D processes and methodologies.

Requirements

• B.Sc. or B.Eng. in Chemical Engineering.
• 0-2 years of experience in a research or development setting, internships included.
• Strong theoretical knowledge of chemical engineering principles and organic/inorganic chemistry.
• Hands-on laboratory experience with synthesis, analysis, and characterization techniques.
• Familiarity with data analysis software (e.g., Excel, MATLAB).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High level of organization and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a remote team.
• Willingness to travel to Centurion, Gauteng for occasional meetings and lab work.
• A proactive attitude and a strong desire to learn and innovate.

Benefits

• Competitive entry-level salary.
• Company-sponsored health insurance plan.
• Opportunities for mentorship from leading industry experts.
• Funding for professional development courses and conferences.
• Flexible remote working arrangements.
• Paid time off and company holidays.
• Access to advanced research facilities and equipment (when on-site).
• Potential for rapid career progression based on performance.
• Contribution to groundbreaking research and development.
• Supportive and collaborative team culture.