Chemical Engineer - Polymer Synthesis and Characterization

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 344,000 - 482,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly rate

Flexible working hours

Access to advanced laboratory设施

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Chemical Engineer with polymer synthesis and characterization expertise for a contract-based role in Benoni, Gauteng. You will design experiments, synthesize polymers, and evaluate material properties while contributing to scale-up efforts in a fast-paced R&D environment.

You will work with a team of chemists and material scientists to drive innovation, optimize processes, and generate technical reports to support product development in advanced polymer technologies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct experiments for synthesis of novel polymers.
• Characterize polymers using GPC, DSC, TGA, NMR, FTIR.
• Analyze data, interpret results, and prepare technical reports.
• Optimize synthesis conditions to improve yield, molecular weight, and performance.
• Collaborate with chemists and material scientists to meet project goals.
• Assist scale-up from lab to pilot scale.
• Maintain lab equipment and ensure safety.
• Research new synthesis methods and characterization techniques.
• Contribute to IP generation through invention disclosures.
• Troubleshoot synthesis and characterization challenges.

Skills

Polymer synthesis

Polymer characterization

Data analysis

Scientific reporting

DoE (Design of Experiments)

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering / Polymer Science

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering firm in advanced polymer materials, is actively seeking a skilled Chemical Engineer with expertise in polymer synthesis and characterization for a challenging contract role based in Benoni, Gauteng, ZA . This position is crucial for the development of next-generation polymeric materials for diverse applications. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing and executing experiments related to polymer synthesis, evaluating material properties, and contributing to the scale-up process. This is an excellent opportunity for a dedicated and innovative engineer to work on cutting-edge projects and contribute significantly to product development in a fast-paced R&D environment. You will be working with a team of experts focused on innovation and material science breakthroughs.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and conduct experiments for the synthesis of novel polymers with specific properties.
• Perform comprehensive characterization of polymers using techniques such as GPC, DSC, TGA, NMR, and FTIR.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and prepare detailed technical reports.
• Optimize synthesis conditions to improve yield, molecular weight, and material performance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including chemists and material scientists, to achieve project goals.
• Assist in the scale-up of polymer synthesis processes from lab bench to pilot scale.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure a safe working environment.
• Research and evaluate new synthesis methodologies and characterization techniques.
• Contribute to intellectual property generation through invention disclosures.
• Troubleshoot synthesis and characterization challenges.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or a related field.
• Proven experience in polymer synthesis techniques (e.g., free radical, condensation, anionic polymerization).
• Hands-on experience with polymer characterization methods.
• Strong understanding of polymer chemistry and physical properties.
• Proficiency in data analysis and scientific reporting.
• Experience with laboratory safety procedures.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Prior experience in an R&D or industrial setting is preferred.
• Familiarity with statistical experimental design (DoE) is an advantage.

Benefits

This contract position offers a competitive hourly rate, flexible working hours, and the opportunity to gain valuable experience with a leading company in polymer technology. Our client provides access to advanced laboratory facilities and encourages professional growth. This role is perfect for an engineer seeking challenging project-based work in the dynamic field of material science, located within the industrial hub of Benoni, Gauteng, ZA .