Senior Chemical Engineer - R&D

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Chemical Engineer for its R&D division in Mahikeng, North West. You will lead the development of novel chemical processes, design experiments, and scale up from lab to pilot and production, collaborating with chemists, material scientists, and engineers across disciplines.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD or MSc in Chemical Engineering with 7+ years in chemical R&D, strong problem-solving skills, and proven leadership.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or a closely related field.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in chemical R&D.
• Expertise in process design, scale-up, and optimization.
• Strong knowledge of reaction engineering, thermodynamics, and transport phenomena.
• Experience with advanced analytical techniques and process modeling software.
• Proven leadership skills and experience managing R&D projects.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication abilities.
• Ability to work independently and in cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the research and development of new chemical processes and technologies.
• Design and execute laboratory and pilot-scale experiments.
• Manage scale-up of laboratory processes to pilot and production.
• Analyze data and interpret results to guide project direction.
• Develop and optimize reaction conditions, separations, and purifications.
• Collaborate with chemists, material scientists, and engineers across disciplines.
• Prepare technical reports, patent applications, and research proposals.
• Conduct PHAs for new processes.
• Evaluate and select equipment and instrumentation.
• Stay updated on scientific advances and trends in chemical engineering.

Skills

Process design

Scale-up

R&D leadership

Reaction engineering

Thermodynamics

Transport phenomena

Analytical techniques

Process modeling software

Data analysis

Communication

Education

PhD or MSc in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process modeling software

Analytical instrumentation

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering firm in advanced materials and specialty chemicals, is seeking an experienced Senior Chemical Engineer for their Research and Development division, located in Mahikeng, North West . This role demands a highly innovative and technically proficient individual to lead projects focused on developing novel chemical processes and products. You will be responsible for experimental design, process scale-up, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to bring new technologies from concept to commercialization. The ideal candidate will possess a strong scientific background, excellent problem-solving capabilities, and a proven track record in R&D leadership. Join our dynamic team and drive innovation in the chemical industry from our facility in Mahikeng, North West .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the research and development of new chemical processes and technologies.
• Design and execute complex laboratory and pilot-scale experiments.
• Manage the scale-up of laboratory processes to pilot and commercial production.
• Perform rigorous data analysis and interpret experimental results to guide project direction.
• Develop and optimize reaction conditions, separation techniques, and purification methods.
• Collaborate closely with chemists, material scientists, and engineers across different disciplines.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, patent applications, and research proposals.
• Conduct thorough process hazard assessments (PHAs) for new processes.
• Evaluate and select appropriate process equipment and analytical instrumentation.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific advancements and technological trends in chemical engineering.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in chemical research and development.
• Demonstrated expertise in process design, scale-up, and optimization.
• Strong knowledge of reaction engineering, thermodynamics, and transport phenomena.
• Experience with advanced analytical techniques and process modeling software.
• Proven leadership skills and experience managing R&D projects.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking abilities.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Familiarity with the chemical industry landscape in Mahikeng, North West is an asset.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, reflecting your senior expertise, along with significant performance-based bonuses. Comprehensive health insurance, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, is provided. A generous retirement savings plan is in place. The company strongly supports professional development, offering opportunities for continuous learning, conference participation, and advanced training. You will be part of an innovative and research-driven culture. Ample paid vacation and sick leave are provided. This hybrid role offers a blend of on-site collaboration and remote flexibility, located in Mahikeng, North West .