Senior Chemical Engineer, R&D (Hybrid)

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Hybrid work

Job summary

Placements24 in Pretoria, Gauteng, seeks a Senior Chemical Engineer - R&D to lead development of environmentally friendly chemical processes and new products. You will design experiments, model processes, and drive scale-up from concept to pilot scale.

The role demands 6+ years of R&D experience, a PhD or MSc in Chemical Engineering, and strong data analysis, kinetics, and thermodynamics skills. Hybrid work arrangement supports lab work and strategic planning.

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc in Chemical Engineering with a strong research background.
• 6+ years of chemical R&D experience, preferably in specialty chemicals or sustainable technologies.
• Ability to design and conduct complex experiments and analyze data.
• Expertise in reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and process design.
• Experience with process simulation software (Aspen HYSYS, COMSOL).
• Familiarity with GC-MS, HPLC, and NMR is desirable.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong project management and resource planning skills.
• Experience in scale-up and technology transfer is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and execute research projects to develop new chemical products and processes.
• Conduct literature reviews and patent searches to identify opportunities and inform research direction.
• Design and perform laboratory experiments, pilot plant studies, and data analysis.
• Develop process models and simulations to evaluate feasibility and optimize conditions.
• Troubleshoot technical challenges in R&D phases.
• Ensure safety, health, and environmental compliance in all activities.
• Prepare detailed technical reports and contribute to IP documentation.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, marketing, and regulatory teams.
• Mentor junior researchers and engineers to foster scientific inquiry.
• Evaluate and recommend new analytical techniques and lab equipment.

Skills

Chemical kinetics

Thermodynamics

Process design

Data analysis

Experimental design

Project management

Communication

Independent work

Education

PhD or MSc in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen HYSYS

COMSOL

GC-MS

HPLC

NMR

Job description

Placements24 in Pretoria, Gauteng, seeks a Senior Chemical Engineer - R&D to lead development of environmentally friendly chemical processes and new products. You will design experiments, model processes, and drive scale-up from concept to pilot scale.

The role demands 6+ years of R&D experience, a PhD or MSc in Chemical Engineering, and strong data analysis, kinetics, and thermodynamics skills. Hybrid work arrangement supports lab work and strategic planning.