R&D Chemical Engineer — Polymers, Scale-Up (Hybrid)

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Performance-based bonuses

R&D environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly skilled Chemical Engineer for its R&D team in Mahikeng, North West. You will design experiments, scale processes from bench to pilot, and collaborate with chemists, materials scientists, and engineers to bring novel polymer technologies toward commercialization.

Ideal candidates hold a Master’s or PhD in Chemical Engineering, 3–7 years in chemical R&D (preferably polymers or specialty chemicals), and strong data analysis, modeling, and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• 3–7 years of experience in chemical R&D, preferably polymers or specialty chemicals.
• Experience with experimental design, data analysis and interpretation.
• Familiarity with laboratory techniques and instrumentation.
• Experience with process scale-up from bench to pilot scale.
• Proficiency in process simulation software is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving and creative approach to challenges.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct experiments to develop new chemical processes and products.
• Analyze experimental data and interpret results to guide further research.
• Scale up laboratory processes to pilot plant and semi-commercial levels.
• Develop process models and simulations to support R&D efforts.
• Collaborate with chemists, material scientists, and engineers on joint projects.
• Prepare technical reports, research papers, and patent applications.
• Evaluate the feasibility and economic viability of new process technologies.
• Ensure all laboratory and pilot plant activities adhere to safety and environmental standards.
• Stay current with scientific literature and emerging technologies in the field.

Skills

Experimental design

Data analysis

Scale-up processes

Process simulation

Technical reporting

Cross-functional collaboration

Safety standards

Verbal communication

Education

Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process simulation software

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a highly skilled Chemical Engineer for its R&D team in Mahikeng, North West. You will design experiments, scale processes from bench to pilot, and collaborate with chemists, materials scientists, and engineers to bring novel polymer technologies toward commercialization.

Ideal candidates hold a Master’s or PhD in Chemical Engineering, 3–7 years in chemical R&D (preferably polymers or specialty chemicals), and strong data analysis, modeling, and communication skills.