Junior Chemical Engineer - Research & Development

Placements24; East London; On-site; ZAR 240,000 - 320,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive starting salary

Medical and dental coverage

Structured training programs and Ment

Job summary

Placements24 in Queenstown, Eastern Cape, is seeking a motivated Junior Chemical Engineer to join its R&D team. This on-site role offers hands-on exposure to process design and development under experienced mentors.

You will assist in experiments, data analysis, and reporting, with opportunities to contribute to scale-up projects and learn in a supportive environment.

Ideal for recent graduates or early-career engineers who are eager to learn, collaborate, and grow within the chemical industry.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• Strong academic background in chemical engineering principles.
• Familiarity with laboratory techniques and safety procedures.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the design and execution of laboratory experiments for new product and process development.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data under the guidance of senior engineers.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations summarizing findings and recommendations.
• Support the scale-up of laboratory processes to pilot plant operations.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure a safe working environment.
• Collaborate with team members on various R&D projects.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an enthusiastic Junior Chemical Engineer to join their Research & Development team in Queenstown . This is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate or early-career engineer to gain hands‑on experience in a supportive and innovative environment. You will assist senior engineers in the development of new chemical processes, conducting experiments, analyzing data, and contributing to project goals. This on‑site role offers invaluable practical experience in process design and optimization within the chemical industry in the Eastern Cape . Your dedication and eagerness to learn will be key to your success and growth within the company.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the design and execution of laboratory experiments for new product and process development.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data under the guidance of senior engineers.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations summarizing findings and recommendations.
• Support the scale‑up of laboratory processes to pilot plant operations.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure a safe working environment.
• Collaborate with team members on various R&D projects.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field.
• Strong academic background with a foundational understanding of chemical engineering principles.
• Familiarity with laboratory techniques and safety procedures.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Eagerness to learn and ability to work effectively in a team on‑site in Queenstown .

Benefits

• Competitive starting salary with regular performance reviews.
• Comprehensive medical and dental coverage.
• Structured training programs and mentorship from experienced professionals.
• Opportunities to work on innovative research projects.
• A supportive team environment focused on professional development.