Lead Chemical Engineer: Specialty Polymers & Composites (Hybrid)

Placements24; Kimberley; Hybrid; CAD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance incentives

Medical aid

Pension fund

Education opportunities

Job summary

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.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Polymer science

Compounding

Extrusion

Rheology

Process optimization

Team leadership

Project management

Analytical skills

Education

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

Tools

Process simulation software

Analytical testing equipment

Job description

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.