Junior Chemical Engineer - Sustainable Process Development

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 67,000 - 134,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive stipend

Mentorship

Hybrid work model

Accommodation/transport support

Future opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 invites applications for a Junior Chemical Engineer internship in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. You will work with senior engineers on green chemistry projects, gaining hands-on experience in eco-friendly processes with a hybrid work model combining on-site learning and remote tasks such as data analysis.

The role emphasizes learning, collaboration, and exposure to industry-leading technologies, with potential for future full-time opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or near completion.
• Strong academic record with interest in sustainable/green chemistry.
• Familiarity with Aspen HYSYS or COMSOL is a plus.
• Excellent analytical, written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist in designing and executing experiments for sustainable chemical processes.
• Support process modeling and simulation activities using relevant software.
• Conduct literature reviews on green chemistry principles and technologies.
• Analyze experimental data and prepare progress reports.
• Contribute to documentation of new process designs and procedures.
• Collaborate with team on various aspects of process development.
• Assist in troubleshooting pilot-scale operations.
• Participate in meetings and knowledge-sharing sessions, on-site and remote.

Skills

Thermodynamics

Kinetics

Transport phenomena

Process simulation

Analytical skills

MS Office

Teamwork

Communication

Learning mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen HYSYS

COMSOL

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned leader in sustainable chemical solutions, is looking for an enthusiastic Junior Chemical Engineer to join their innovative team in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. This internship role is designed for aspiring engineers eager to gain hands-on experience in developing and implementing eco-friendly chemical processes. You will work closely with senior engineers on projects focused on green chemistry, renewable resources, and waste reduction. The role offers a hybrid work model, providing valuable on-site learning experiences combined with the flexibility of remote work for specific tasks like data analysis and research. This is an excellent stepping stone for a career in sustainable chemical engineering.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the design and execution of experiments for sustainable chemical processes.
• Support process modeling and simulation activities using relevant software.
• Conduct literature reviews and research on green chemistry principles and technologies.
• Help in collecting and analyzing experimental data.
• Prepare reports and presentations on project progress and findings.
• Support the scale-up of laboratory processes to pilot scale.
• Ensure adherence to laboratory safety protocols and environmental best practices.
• Collaborate with team members on various aspects of process development.
• Assist in troubleshooting operational issues during pilot runs.
• Contribute to the documentation of new process designs and procedures.
• Participate in team meetings and brainstorming sessions, both in-person and remotely.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, currently pursuing or recently completed.
• A strong academic record with a keen interest in sustainable and green chemistry.
• Basic understanding of chemical engineering principles (thermodynamics, kinetics, transport phenomena).
• Familiarity with process simulation software (e.g., Aspen HYSYS, COMSOL) is a plus.
• Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Enthusiasm for learning and contributing to a dynamic research environment.
• Must be able to commit to a hybrid work schedule in Stellenbosch, Western Cape.

Benefits

• Competitive intern stipend.
• Exposure to industry-leading sustainable chemical technologies.
• Mentorship from experienced chemical engineers.
• Opportunity to contribute to impactful environmental projects.
• Networking opportunities within the chemical industry.
• Accommodation allowance or transport assistance may be considered.
• Potential for future full-time employment based on performance.
• Work experience that enhances your professional profile significantly.