Senior Chemical Engineer - R&D

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonus

Medical aid

Retirement savings

Professional development funding

Research collaborations

Life assurance

Flexible hours

Job summary

Placements24, in Randburg, seeks a Senior Chemical Engineer to lead cutting-edge R&D projects and pilot new chemical processes. The role blends lab-based research with remote analysis in a hybrid setup, emphasizing innovation and sustainability.

The candidate should have a Ph.D. or Master's in Chemical Engineering with 6–8 years of relevant experience, strong theoretical grounding, and a proven track record in process development and scale-up.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master's in Chemical Engineering with strong R&D focus.
• 6–8 years of chemical R&D or process development experience.
• Proven track record of developing and piloting new processes or products.
• Experience with lab and pilot plant equipment, scale-up, and data analysis.
• Ability to work in a hybrid lab/remote environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of research projects for new chemical synthesis routes and process technologies.
• Conduct laboratory experiments, pilot-scale trials, and data analysis to evaluate process feasibility and performance.
• Develop and optimize chemical processes, focusing on yield, purity, safety, and economic viability.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, proposals, and presentations for internal stakeholders and potential clients.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to advance projects from concept to implementation.
• Stay abreast of literature, patent landscape, and industry trends in chemical R&D.
• Mentor junior engineers and chemists, providing technical guidance.
• Contribute to intellectual property generation through patent applications.
• Ensure all R&D activities comply with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Assist in evaluation of new equipment for R&D and scale-up.

Skills

Chemical engineering expertise

R&D experience

Process simulation (Aspen Plus)

Data analysis

Communication skills

Education

Ph.D. or Master's in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a cutting-edge chemical technology company, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Chemical Engineer to join their Research and Development division in Randburg, Gauteng. This hybrid role combines critical lab-based research with remote analysis and collaboration, offering a dynamic work environment. You will be responsible for conceptualizing, developing, and piloting new chemical processes and products, with a strong focus on innovation and sustainable solutions. The ideal candidate will possess a strong theoretical background, extensive practical R&D experience, and a passion for driving technological advancements. This is a key position for an individual looking to make a significant contribution to the future of chemical innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of research projects for new chemical synthesis routes and process technologies.


• Conduct laboratory experiments, pilot-scale trials, and data analysis to evaluate process feasibility and performance.


• Develop and optimize chemical processes, focusing on yield, purity, safety, and economic viability.


• Prepare detailed technical reports, proposals, and presentations for internal stakeholders and potential clients.


• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including chemists, material scientists, and engineers, to advance projects from concept to implementation.


• Stay abreast of the latest scientific literature, patent landscape, and industry trends in chemical R&D.


• Mentor junior engineers and chemists, providing technical guidance and support.


• Contribute to intellectual property generation through patent applications.


• Ensure all R&D activities comply with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.


• Assist in the technical evaluation of new equipment and technologies for R&D and potential scale-up.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, with a strong emphasis on research and development.


• Minimum of 6-8 years of experience in chemical R&D, process development, or a related field.


• Proven track record of successfully developing and piloting new chemical processes or products.


• Extensive experience with laboratory and pilot plant equipment, process characterization, and scale-up principles.


• Strong theoretical understanding of chemical kinetics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and reaction engineering.


• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus) and data analysis tools.


• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.


• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information clearly.


• Experience in intellectual property management and patent filing is desirable.


• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid work environment, managing both lab-based and remote tasks.

Benefits

This position offers a highly competitive salary, attractive bonus structure, and comprehensive health and wellness benefits, including private medical aid and robust retirement savings options. Our client provides exceptional opportunities for professional development, including funding for advanced training, conference participation, and research collaborations. You will work on challenging and innovative projects at the forefront of chemical technology. Additional benefits include life assurance, flexible working hours within the hybrid model, and a stimulating work environment that encourages creativity and scientific exploration. We value our employees and invest in their long-term success.