Senior Chemical Engineer - R&D and Innovation

Placements24; South Africa; Remote; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Professional development

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Chemical Engineer to lead R&D efforts in Polokwane, driving the development of new chemical processes and scalable production solutions. You will oversee experimental design, pilot plant studies, and cross-functional collaboration to translate research into market-ready innovations.

The ideal candidate has a Ph.D. or Master’s in Chemical Engineering with 8+ years in R&D, strong kinetics/thermodynamics knowledge, and experience with pilot plants and process

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering or closely related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in chemical R&D, process innovation, or scale-up.
• Strong understanding of kinetics, thermodynamics, and separation technologies.
• Experience with lab instrumentation, pilot plant operations, and process simulation software.
• Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research to develop and optimize new chemical processes and products.
• Design and execute pilot plant studies to validate feasibility and scale-up.
• Analyze data and prepare technical reports.
• Collaborate with chemists, materials scientists, and engineers across functions.
• Mentor junior researchers and engineers; support knowledge transfer.

Skills

Chemical engineering

Data analysis

Analytical thinking

Written & verbal communication

Independent working

Team collaboration

Innovation mindset

Education

Ph.D. or Master’s in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Laboratory instrumentation

Pilot plant operations

Process simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned leader in specialty chemicals and advanced materials, is seeking a visionary Senior Chemical Engineer to join their cutting-edge Research and Development division in Polokwane, Limpopo . This role is dedicated to pioneering new chemical processes and product innovations, driving the company's technological leadership. You will be involved in the full lifecycle of R&D, from conceptualization and laboratory experimentation to pilot-scale testing and supporting commercialization. The ideal candidate possesses a strong scientific foundation, a creative approach to problem-solving, and a passion for translating research into tangible, market-ready solutions. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking advancements within a collaborative and resource-rich environment in Polokwane .

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research experiments to develop and optimize new chemical processes and products.
• Design and execute pilot plant studies to validate process feasibility and scalability.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and develop comprehensive technical reports.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including chemists, material scientists, and manufacturing engineers.
• Identify and evaluate emerging technologies and their potential applications.
• Contribute to intellectual property generation through patent applications and technical disclosures.
• Support the scale-up and transfer of developed processes to manufacturing sites.
• Troubleshoot technical challenges encountered during research and development phases.
• Stay informed about scientific literature, competitor activities, and industry trends.
• Mentor junior researchers and engineers, sharing knowledge and expertise.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in chemical research and development, process innovation, or scale-up.
• Proven track record of successfully developing and implementing novel chemical processes.
• Strong theoretical understanding of chemical kinetics, thermodynamics, and separation technologies.
• Experience with laboratory instrumentation, pilot plant operations, and process simulation software.
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Superior written and verbal communication abilities, with a flair for technical writing.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Passion for innovation and a drive to explore new scientific frontiers.
• Commitment to residing in or relocating to the Polokwane, Limpopo area.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary with significant performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits package.
• Generous retirement savings plan and life insurance.
• Extensive opportunities for professional development, including advanced training and conference participation.
• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and advanced equipment.
• A culture that fosters creativity, collaboration, and scientific discovery.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays.
• Potential for intellectual property recognition and rewards.
• Employee wellness programs and resources.
• Relocation assistance for qualified candidates moving to Polokwane .