Senior R&D Chemical Engineer – Scale-Up & Innovation

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

R&D budget and resources

Opportunity for patents/publications

Strong career growth potential

Dynamic Gauteng work environment

Job summary

Placements24 in Randburg, Gauteng, invites applications for a Senior Research & Development Chemical Engineer to lead the development of novel chemical processes from laboratory scale through pilot plant validation.

You will drive innovation, optimize reaction pathways, and ensure scalability and economic viability of new technologies while mentoring junior researchers and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in chemical research and development.
• Proven expertise in process development, scale-up, and optimization.
• Strong understanding of reaction engineering, thermodynamics, and separation technologies.
• Proficiency in laboratory techniques and analytical instrumentation.
• Experience with process simulation software (Aspen Plus, COMSOL) is highly desirable.
• Excellent problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects and mentor junior researchers.
• Located in or willing to relocate to the Randburg area.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D projects focused on developing new chemical processes and product formulations.
• Design and execute laboratory experiments and pilot plant trials to validate process concepts.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and provide clear technical recommendations.
• Develop scale-up strategies and troubleshoot challenges from lab to production scales.
• Utilize process simulation and modeling tools to optimize reaction conditions and improve process efficiency.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including marketing, manufacturing, and quality control.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and patent disclosures.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific and technological advancements in chemical engineering.

Skills

Process development

Scale-up

Optimization

Reaction engineering

Thermodynamics

Separation technologies

Analytical instrumentation

Lab techniques

Mentoring

Education

Ph.D. or Master’s in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

COMSOL

Job description

Placements24 in Randburg, Gauteng, invites applications for a Senior Research & Development Chemical Engineer to lead the development of novel chemical processes from laboratory scale through pilot plant validation.

You will drive innovation, optimize reaction pathways, and ensure scalability and economic viability of new technologies while mentoring junior researchers and collaborating with cross-functional teams.