Lead Chemical Engineer - Specialty Polymers and Composites

Placements24; Kimberley; Híbrido; CAD 120 000 - 180 000; Tempo integral

Vantagens oferecidas por esta oferta de emprego

Competitive salary

Performance incentives

Medical aid

Pension fund

Education opportunities

Resumo da oferta

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Chemical Engineer in Kimberley for advanced polymers and composites. You will guide a team in process design, scale-up, and manufacturing support to bring novel formulations to market.

The role requires 8+ years in polymer science and strong leadership, with expertise in extrusion, compounding, and composites, plus a track record of delivering scalable manufacturing solutions in a hybrid work setting.

Qualificações

• 8+ years of experience in specialty polymer and composite materials development and manufacturing.
• Experience leading technical teams and managing development projects.
• Strong knowledge of polymer chemistry, rheology, and processing (e.g., extrusion, injection molding, composites).
• Familiarity with composite manufacturing processes (e.g., RTM, pultrusion, filament winding).
• Ability to thrive in a hybrid work environment.

Responsabilidades

• Lead development of new specialty polymers and composite materials and their manufacturing processes.
• Oversee process design, scale-up, and optimization for polymer compounding, extrusion, and composite fabrication.
• Manage and mentor a team of chemical engineers and technicians.
• Conduct material characterization, performance testing, and failure analysis.
• Collaborate with R&D, product development, and manufacturing to commercialize.
• Develop PFDs, P&IDs, and equipment specifications for new processes.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing issues and implement process improvements.
• Stay current with advancements in polymer and composite materials science.
• Ensure activities comply with safety and environmental standards.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources.

Conhecimentos

Polymer science

Compounding

Extrusion

Rheology

Process optimization

Team leadership

Project management

Analytical skills

Formação académica

Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or Materials Science

Ferramentas

Process simulation software

Analytical testing equipment

Descrição da oferta de emprego

About the Role

Our client, a leader in advanced materials innovation, is seeking a Lead Chemical Engineer specializing in Specialty Polymers and Composites for their facility in Kimberley, Northern Cape.

This role involves leading the development and commercialization of novel polymer formulations and composite materials for high-performance applications. You will guide a team of engineers and scientists in process design, optimization, scale-up, and manufacturing support. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in polymer science, compounding, extrusion, and composite manufacturing techniques, coupled with a strong understanding of chemical engineering principles. You will work closely with product development, R&D, and manufacturing to bring innovative materials from concept to market. This position offers a significant opportunity to shape the future of advanced materials and lead critical projects in a dynamic industrial landscape. We are looking for a strategic thinker and technical expert with excellent leadership and project management skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of new specialty polymers and composite materials and their manufacturing processes.


• Oversee process design, scale-up, and optimization for polymer compounding, extrusion, and composite fabrication.


• Manage and mentor a team of chemical engineers and technicians involved in materials development.


• Conduct material characterization, performance testing, and failure analysis.


• Collaborate with R&D, product development, and manufacturing teams to ensure successful commercialization.


• Develop PFDs, P&IDs, and detailed equipment specifications for new processes.


• Troubleshoot manufacturing issues and implement process improvements to enhance quality and efficiency.


• Stay current with advancements in polymer and composite materials science and processing technologies.


• Ensure all activities comply with safety and environmental standards.


• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources effectively.

Requirements

• Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or Materials Science.


• 8+ years of experience in specialty polymer and composite materials development and manufacturing.


• Proven experience in leading technical teams and managing development projects.


• Deep understanding of polymer chemistry, rheology, and processing (e.g., extrusion, injection molding, composites).


• Experience with analytical and testing equipment for polymers and composites.


• Knowledge of process simulation and modeling tools is a plus.


• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.


• Strong leadership, communication, and presentation skills.


• Familiarity with composite manufacturing processes (e.g., RTM, pultrusion, filament winding).


• Ability to thrive in a hybrid work environment.

Benefits

Our client provides a competitive salary, performance incentives, and a comprehensive benefits package including excellent medical aid, pension fund, and opportunities for further education. Employees benefit from generous leave and a stimulating work environment focused on innovation. This permanent, full-time position in Kimberley offers a leadership role in the exciting field of advanced materials.