Senior Chemical Engineer - Research & Development

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

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Competitive salary & bonus

Health & retirement benefits

Professional development budget

Advanced lab facilities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Chemical Engineer with a PhD or MSc and a strong R&D background to lead next-generation chemical product development in Stellenbosch. You will design experiments, optimize processes, and guide scale-up from lab to pilot plant in a collaborative, research-intensive environment.

The role emphasizes technical leadership, data-driven decision making, and mentoring junior engineers, with hybrid work options, access to advanced analytical equipment, and a focus on

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in chemical R&D with a proven track record of innovation.
• Expertise in experimental design, process modeling, and data interpretation.
• Strong knowledge of organic chemistry, catalysis, or materials science is highly desirable.
• Experience managing R&D projects from concept to scale-up.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute R&D projects focused on new chemical product and process development.
• Design and conduct laboratory-scale experiments, ensuring robust data collection and analysis.
• Develop and optimize synthetic routes, reaction conditions, and purification methods.
• Manage pilot plant trials and facilitate the seamless transfer of technology to manufacturing.
• Evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of new process concepts.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians, fostering a collaborative R&D culture.

Skills

Experimental design

Process modeling

Data interpretation

Leadership

Education

PhD or MSc in Chemical Engineering

8+ years R&D experience

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly skilled Senior Chemical Engineer with a strong background in Research & Development to join their innovative hub in Stellenbosch. This role is at the forefront of developing next-generation chemical products and processes. You will lead research initiatives, design experimental protocols, and oversee the scale-up of promising new technologies. This is an exciting opportunity for a visionary engineer to drive innovation, collaborate with leading scientists, and make a tangible impact on the company's future product pipeline within a dynamic and research-intensive environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and execute R&D projects focused on new chemical product and process development.
• Design and conduct laboratory-scale experiments, ensuring robust data collection and analysis.
• Develop and optimize synthetic routes, reaction conditions, and purification methods.
• Manage pilot plant trials and facilitate the seamless transfer of technology to manufacturing.
• Evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of new process concepts.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians, fostering a collaborative R&D culture.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or a closely related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in chemical R&D, with a proven track record of innovation.
• Expertise in experimental design, process modeling, and data interpretation.
• Strong knowledge of organic chemistry, catalysis, or materials science is highly desirable.
• Experience in managing R&D projects from concept to scale-up.
• Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and scientific communication skills.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and bonus structure tied to R&D milestones.
• Hybrid work arrangement promoting flexibility and focus.
• Comprehensive health, retirement, and wellness benefits.
• Generous budget for professional development, conferences, and research resources.
• Access to cutting-edge laboratory facilities and advanced analytical equipment.