Junior Chemical Engineer - Research & Development Support

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

Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship

Training opportunities

State-of-the-art facilities

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, invites a Junior Chemical Engineer to join our R&D team. This role blends hands-on lab work with remote data analysis, offering exposure to cutting-edge materials research and process development.

You will assist in experiments, collect data, and support scale-up from lab to pilot plant while collaborating with senior researchers in a hybrid environment. Recent graduates or early-career engineers are encouraged, with mentorship and ongoing training

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• 0-3 years of experience in chemical engineering or R&D setting.
• Basic understanding of thermodynamics and reaction kinetics.
• Familiarity with laboratory equipment and experimental procedures.
• Proficiency in data analysis and basic statistical methods.

Responsibilities

• Assist senior engineers and researchers in designing and conducting experiments.
• Prepare materials and set up equipment for laboratory and pilot-scale tests.
• Collect, record, and analyze experimental data accurately.
• Perform literature searches to gather technical information and support R&D projects.
• Contribute to the development of new chemical processes and product formulations.
• Prepare reports and presentations summarizing experimental results and findings.
• Ensure laboratory safety procedures are strictly followed.
• Troubleshoot minor equipment and process issues.
• Support the scale-up activities from lab to pilot plant.
• Collaborate effectively with team members in both on-site and remote capacities.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Data analysis

Communication skills

Detail-oriented

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Job description

About the Role Our client, a dynamic and innovative company at the forefront of advanced materials research, is looking for an enthusiastic Junior Chemical Engineer to support their Research & Development team in **Stellenbosch, Western Cape**. This role provides an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate or early-career engineer to gain hands-on experience in a cutting-edge environment. The Junior Chemical Engineer will assist in experimental design, data collection, process testing, and analysis, contributing directly to the development of new chemical products and technologies. The position involves working closely with senior researchers and engineers, with a combination of laboratory work and data analysis that can be performed remotely. This hybrid model allows for essential practical engagement and the flexibility of remote contribution.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist senior engineers and researchers in designing and conducting experiments.
• Prepare materials and set up equipment for laboratory and pilot-scale tests.
• Collect, record, and analyze experimental data accurately.
• Perform literature searches to gather technical information and support R&D projects.
• Contribute to the development of new chemical processes and product formulations.
• Prepare reports and presentations summarizing experimental results and findings.
• Ensure laboratory safety procedures are strictly followed.
• Troubleshoot minor equipment and process issues.Support the scale-up activities from lab to pilot plant.
• Collaborate effectively with team members in both on-site and remote capacities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a closely related field.
• 0-3 years of experience in a chemical engineering or R&D setting.
• Basic understanding of chemical principles, thermodynamics, and reaction kinetics.
• Familiarity with laboratory equipment and experimental procedures.
• Proficiency in data analysis and basic statistical methods.
• Experience with simulation software is a plus.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Detail-oriented with good organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a Hybrid environment, spending time in the Stellenbosch, Western Cape laboratory and performing analysis remotely.
• Eagerness to learn and develop within the field of chemical engineering.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive starting salary, mentorship from experienced professionals, and opportunities for further training and development. This role includes access to state-of-the-art research facilities and the chance to work on innovative projects. The hybrid work model provides a flexible approach to work-life balance, set within the vibrant and scenic Western Cape region. This is an ideal starting point for a promising career in chemical research and development.