Specialty Chemicals Development Engineer

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Bonus structure

Retirement plan

Hybrid work environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Specialty Chemicals Development Engineer for our client’s R&D team in Sandton, Gauteng. The role focuses on hands-on development of new chemical formulations, optimizing existing products, and supporting commercialization.

You will work with chemists and application specialists to bring novel solutions to market across industries. The ideal candidate has a strong background in chemical synthesis, process development, and a passion for innovative chemical products.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry with emphasis on organic synthesis or materials science.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in chemical product development, especially specialty chemicals.
• Proven lab-scale process development and optimization experience.
• Strong understanding of synthesis, kinetics, and separation techniques.
• Experience with scale-up principles and pilot plant operations is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute laboratory experiments for new specialty chemical formulations and synthesis routes.
• Optimize processes to improve yield, purity, efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Characterize new materials and products using analytical techniques (spectroscopy, chromatography).
• Develop and validate analytical methods for quality control.
• Conduct pilot-scale trials and support scale-up to manufacturing.
• Troubleshoot technical issues related to product performance and manufacturing.
• Collaborate with marketing, sales, and manufacturing for product launches and lifecycle management.
• Prepare technical reports and documentation for stakeholders.
• Stay informed about market trends and scientific advancements in specialty chemicals.
• Ensure R&D activities comply with safety, health, and environmental regulations.

Skills

Chemical synthesis

Process development

Analytical data interpretation

Lab-scale experimentation

Education

Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry

Tools

Spectroscopy

Chromatography

Analytical instrumentation

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in the development and manufacturing of high-performance specialty chemicals, is seeking a driven Specialty Chemicals Development Engineer to join their R&D team in Sandton, Gauteng. This role will involve the hands-on development of new chemical formulations and processes, optimizing existing products, and providing technical support for commercialization. You will work closely with research chemists and application specialists to bring novel chemical solutions to market across various industries. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in chemical synthesis, process development, and a passion for creating innovative chemical products. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge chemical technologies in a dynamic and growing field. The hybrid work model allows for intensive lab work and collaboration, balanced with flexible remote time for data analysis, reporting, and strategic planning. We foster a culture of innovation, scientific rigor, and continuous learning. Your contributions will be instrumental in expanding our client’s product portfolio and meeting the evolving needs of their global customer base. This position is key to driving product innovation and ensuring market competitiveness.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute laboratory experiments for the development of new specialty chemical formulations and synthesis routes.
• Optimize chemical processes to improve yield, purity, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
• Characterize new materials and products using appropriate analytical techniques (e.g., spectroscopy, chromatography).
• Develop and validate analytical methods for quality control.
• Conduct pilot-scale trials and support the scale-up of new products to commercial manufacturing.
• Troubleshoot technical issues related to product performance, manufacturing, and application.
• Collaborate with marketing, sales, and manufacturing teams to ensure successful product launch and lifecycle management.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and documentation for internal and external stakeholders.
• Stay informed about market trends, competitive technologies, and new scientific advancements in specialty chemicals.
• Ensure all R&D activities comply with safety, health, and environmental regulations.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry with a focus on organic synthesis or materials science.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in chemical product development, particularly in specialty chemicals.
• Proven experience in laboratory-scale process development and optimization.
• Strong understanding of chemical synthesis, reaction kinetics, and separation techniques.
• Proficiency with analytical instrumentation and data interpretation.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and experimental design skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work in cross-functional teams.
• Experience with scale-up principles and pilot plant operations is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with patent literature and intellectual property processes.
• Adaptability and a proactive approach to research and development.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, bonus structure, comprehensive health benefits, and retirement savings plan. Opportunities for professional development, including advanced training and conference attendance, are readily available. The hybrid work environment promotes a healthy work-life balance. This role is located in Sandton, Gauteng, a vibrant commercial center. Our client is committed to innovation and provides the resources and support for cutting-edge research. We offer a dynamic career path with opportunities for advancement into lead R&D or technical management positions.