Senior Mechanical Design Engineer — On-Site R&D Innovator

Placements24; Rustenburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in Rustenburg is seeking a Lead Chemical Engineer to head our R&D efforts, guiding a team of scientists and engineers from concept to commercialization.

You will develop new synthesis routes, optimize processes, and oversee pilot plant operations for scale-up, while collaborating with marketing to align product specs with market needs.

This role demands a Ph.D. or Master's in Chemical Engineering and a passion for sustainable chemistry and innovative, market-driven solutions.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of R&D engineers and chemists in project execution.
• Develop and optimize new chemical synthesis routes and formulation processes.
• Design and oversee pilot plant operations for process validation and scale‑up studies.
• Conduct literature reviews and patent searches to identify new opportunities.
• Collaborate with marketing and sales to define product specifications.
• Author technical reports, research papers, and patent applications.

Skills

Leadership

R&D leadership

Mentoring

Education

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering

M.S. in Chemical Engineering

Job description

Lead Chemical Engineer - Research & Development

Our client, a progressive chemical manufacturing company based in Rustenburg , is looking for an innovative Lead Chemical Engineer to spearhead their Research and Development initiatives. This pivotal role involves leading a team of scientists and engineers in the development of novel chemical products and processes. You will be responsible for driving innovation from concept to commercialization, ensuring cutting‑edge solutions meet market demands and company objectives. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in a company committed to technological advancement and sustainable chemistry.

About the Role

Our client, a progressive chemical manufacturing company based in Rustenburg , is looking for an innovative Lead Chemical Engineer to spearhead their Research and Development initiatives. This pivotal role involves leading a team of scientists and engineers in the development of novel chemical products and processes. You will be responsible for driving innovation from concept to commercialization, ensuring cutting‑edge solutions meet market demands and company objectives. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in a company committed to technological advancement and sustainable chemistry.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of R&D engineers and chemists in project execution.
• Develop and optimize new chemical synthesis routes and formulation processes.
• Design and oversee pilot plant operations for process validation and scale‑up studies.
• Conduct thorough literature reviews and patent searches to identify new opportunities.
• Collaborate with marketing and sales teams to understand market needs and define product specifications.
• Author technical reports, research papers, and patent applications.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering