Chemical Engineer - Polymer Process Development

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance incentives

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Training opportunities

Cutting-edge tech

Career growth

Collaborative culture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Chemical Engineer to join the Process Development team in Mahikeng, North West. The role focuses on development, optimization, and scale-up of polymerization processes to produce high-performance materials.

You will work hands-on in pilot plant operations and collaborate with R&D and production to translate laboratory innovations into efficient manufacturing. The ideal candidate has a strong background in polymer chemistry and process engineering, with experience in

Qualifications

• BEng or BSc in Chemical Engineering or Polymer Science/Engineering.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process development, scale-up, and optimization, preferably in the polymer industry.
• Strong understanding of polymerization mechanisms, kinetics, and reactor design.
• Hands-on experience with pilot plant operations and process troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with characterization techniques for polymers.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills.
• Proficiency with process simulation software is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize polymerization processes for various polymer systems.
• Conduct pilot plant trials to evaluate process feasibility, safety, and scalability.
• Analyze process data to identify opportunities for yield improvement, cost reduction, and quality enhancement.
• Troubleshoot process issues and implement effective solutions.
• Collaborate with R&D scientists to scale up new polymer formulations and processes.
• Work with production teams to ensure smooth technology transfer and ongoing process support.
• Prepare detailed process documentation, including P&IDs, SOPs, and safety guidelines.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations in the Mahikeng plant.
• Evaluate and implement new process technologies and equipment.
• Stay updated on advancements in polymer science and processing.

Skills

polymer chemistry

process engineering

pilot plant operations

data interpretation

analytical skills

communication

teamwork

process simulation software

Education

BEng or BSc in Chemical Engineering or Polymer Science/Engineering

Tools

process simulation software

Job description

About the Role Our client, a leading manufacturer of specialty polymers and advanced materials, is seeking a dedicated Chemical Engineer to join their Process Development team in Mahikeng, North West. This role is focused on the development, optimization, and scale‑up of polymerization processes to produce high-performance materials. You will work closely with R&D and production teams to translate laboratory innovations into efficient and cost-effective manufacturing operations. This is an on-site position requiring hands‑on involvement in pilot plant operations and process troubleshooting within our Mahikeng facility. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in polymer chemistry and process engineering, with a passion for innovation and problem‑solving. We are committed to pushing the boundaries of material science and require talented individuals to drive our manufacturing excellence. Join us in Mahikeng, North West and contribute to the creation of next‑generation materials. This role offers a challenging and rewarding career path in a growing industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize polymerization processes for various polymer systems.
• Conduct pilot plant trials to evaluate process feasibility, safety, and scalability.
• Analyze process data to identify opportunities for yield improvement, cost reduction, and quality enhancement.
• Troubleshoot process issues and implement effective solutions.
• Collaborate with R&D scientists to scale up new polymer formulations and processes.
• Work with production teams to ensure smooth technology transfer and ongoing process support.
• Prepare detailed process documentation, including P&IDs, SOPs, and safety guidelines.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations in the Mahikeng plant.
• Evaluate and implement new process technologies and equipment.
• Stay updated on advancements in polymer science and processing.

Requirements

• BEng or BSc in Chemical Engineering or Polymer Science/Engineering.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process development, scale‑up, and optimization, preferably in the polymer industry.
• Strong understanding of polymerization mechanisms, kinetics, and reactor design.
• Hands‑on experience with pilot plant operations and process troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with characterization techniques for polymers.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and data interpretation skills.
• Proficiency with process simulation software is advantageous.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a manufacturing environment in Mahikeng, North West.
• Must be available for full‑time, on‑site work.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary and performance incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Opportunities for specialized training in polymer processing and advanced materials.
• Work with cutting‑edge technology in material science manufacturing.
• Career growth prospects within a leading materials company.
• A collaborative and innovative work environment in Mahikeng, North West.