R&D Chemical Engineer: Lab to Pilot Scale, Hybrid

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Professional development

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 is partnering with a dynamic specialty chemicals company to hire a Chemical Engineer for its Research & Development team in Bloemfontein, Free State. The role covers developing new products and processes from laboratory scale through to pilot validation, optimizing reaction conditions and exploring novel synthesis routes.

This hybrid position balances lab work with data analysis, process modelling, and cross‑functional collaboration with chemists and engineers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of 4 years in chemical R&D or process development.
• Hands-on lab experimentation and small-scale process operations.
• Proficiency in chemical process simulation and data analysis software.
• Strong understanding of organic chemistry and reaction engineering.
• Excellent problem-solving and detail-oriented mindset.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a collaborative R&D team.
• Experience in specialty or fine chemicals is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory experiments to develop and optimize chemical synthesis routes and processes.
• Design and execute pilot-scale trials to validate laboratory findings and gather scale-up data.
• Analyze experimental results using statistical methods and instrumental analysis techniques.
• Develop process models and simulations to understand reaction kinetics and optimize parameters.
• Collaborate with chemists, material scientists, and other engineers on cross-functional R&D projects.
• Prepare detailed technical reports and presentations of R&D findings.
• Ensure laboratory work and development activities adhere to safety and environmental standards.
• Assist in evaluating new raw materials and technologies.
• Contribute to the intellectual property portfolio through invention disclosures and patent support.

Skills

Laboratory skills

Process optimization

Data analysis

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process simulation

Data analysis software

Job description

Placements24 is partnering with a dynamic specialty chemicals company to hire a Chemical Engineer for its Research & Development team in Bloemfontein, Free State. The role covers developing new products and processes from laboratory scale through to pilot validation, optimizing reaction conditions and exploring novel synthesis routes.

This hybrid position balances lab work with data analysis, process modelling, and cross‑functional collaboration with chemists and engineers.