Chemical Engineer - Polymer Process Development

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Annual bonus

Medical aid

Provident fund

Professional development

Industry workshops

Durban location

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Durban-based Chemical Engineer to lead process development for high-performance polymers. You will translate laboratory discoveries into robust, scalable industrial processes, collaborating with R&D and production teams to drive technology transfer and manufacturing excellence.

You will optimize polymer synthesis and processing, design experiments, scale up to pilot and commercial levels, and ensure safety, environmental and quality standards.

Qualifications

• B.Eng. or B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering required; Masters advantageous.
• 3-5 years in chemical process development with a polymer focus.
• Hands-on experience with polymer processing equipment (extruders, reactors, injection moulding).
• Familiarity with process simulation software.
• Strong understanding of polymer chemistry, rheology and materials science.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize chemical processes for polymer synthesis and manufacturing.
• Design experiments to evaluate new process parameters and materials.
• Scale-up lab processes to pilot and commercial production levels.
• Use process simulation tools to model and predict process behavior.
• Troubleshoot process-related issues in manufacturing operations.
• Ensure safety, environmental and quality standards compliance.
• Collaborate with R&D and production teams for technology transfer.
• Analyze process data to identify improvements and cost reductions.
• Prepare technical reports and validation protocols.
• Stay current with polymer science and chemical engineering advances.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Teamwork

Polymer chemistry

Rheology

Education

B.Eng. or B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering force in the advanced materials and polymer industry, is seeking a dedicated Chemical Engineer with a passion for process development to join their innovative team in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal . This role focuses on enhancing and creating novel manufacturing processes for high-performance polymers. The ideal candidate will possess a strong theoretical foundation coupled with practical experience in polymer processing technologies. You will be responsible for translating laboratory discoveries into robust, scalable industrial processes. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of next-generation materials within a forward-thinking company committed to sustainability and technological advancement. You will work in a collaborative setting, driving projects from conception through to implementation in a key manufacturing hub.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize chemical processes for the synthesis and manufacturing of various polymers.
• Design and conduct experiments to evaluate new process parameters and materials.
• Scale-up laboratory processes to pilot and commercial production levels.
• Utilize process simulation tools to model and predict process behavior.
• Troubleshoot and resolve process-related issues in manufacturing operations.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Collaborate with R&D scientists and production engineers to ensure seamless technology transfer.
• Analyze process data to identify areas for improvement and cost reduction.
• Prepare technical reports, documentation, and process validation protocols.
• Stay current with advancements in polymer science and chemical engineering principles.

Requirements

• B.Eng. or B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering is required; a Master's degree is advantageous.
• 3-5 years of experience in chemical process development, with a specific focus on polymer science or related fields.
• Hands-on experience with polymer processing equipment (e.g., extruders, reactors, injection molding machines) is a plus.
• Familiarity with process simulation software.
• Strong understanding of polymer chemistry, rheology, and material science principles.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good laboratory and pilot plant experimental design capabilities.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Knowledge of safety regulations relevant to chemical manufacturing.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks effectively.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, annual performance bonus, comprehensive medical aid, and a provident fund contribution.
• They are committed to employee growth, providing opportunities for professional development, training courses, and attending industry workshops.
• The position is based in Durban , offering a dynamic work environment within a leading materials science company, with a focus on innovation and sustainability.
• Access to advanced research facilities and a collaborative team culture are key benefits.