Chemical Engineer - Polymerization Processes

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Chemical Engineer for our client in Port Elizabeth to lead design, operation, and optimization of polymerization processes. The role focuses on delivering high‑quality plastics and resins while ensuring safety and efficiency in a hybrid work environment.

You will apply chemical engineering principles to improve product quality, monitor reactors, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with R&D on scale‑up and new product development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• At least 6 years of chemical process engineering experience with polymerization exposure.
• Strong knowledge of polymer chemistry, reaction kinetics, and thermodynamics for polymerization.
• Experience with process control instrumentation.
• Knowledge of process safety principles and risk assessment techniques.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Experience with process simulation software is desirable.
• Familiarity with Port Elizabeth industrial environment is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize polymerization reactors and related processes.
• Monitor and control process parameters to ensure product quality and yield.
• Troubleshoot operational issues and implement reliability improvements.
• Conduct process safety analyses and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
• Collaborate with R&D on new product development and scale-up.
• Analyze process data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement.
• Develop and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) and process documentation.
• Mentor junior engineers and support technical training initiatives.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process simulation software

Process control systems

Instrumentation

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading manufacturer of advanced polymer materials, is seeking a talented Chemical Engineer to join their innovative team in **Port Elizabeth**. This role is central to the design, operation, and optimization of polymerization processes that produce high-performance plastics and resins. The successful candidate will apply core chemical engineering principles to enhance product quality, improve process efficiency, and ensure operational safety. Working in the dynamic industrial landscape of **Port Elizabeth**, you will have the opportunity to contribute significantly to product development and manufacturing excellence. This position offers a hybrid work model, combining on-site responsibilities with flexible remote work options.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize polymerization reactors and associated processes.
• Monitor and control process parameters to ensure consistent product quality and yield.
• Troubleshoot operational issues and implement solutions to improve process reliability.
• Conduct process safety analyses and ensure compliance with all safety regulations.
• Collaborate with R&D teams on new product development and process scale-up.
• Analyze process data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement.
• Develop and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) and process documentation.
• Mentor junior engineers and support technical training initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in chemical process engineering, with specific experience in polymerization processes.
• Strong understanding of polymer chemistry, reaction kinetics, and thermodynamics related to polymerization.
• Experience with process control systems and instrumentation.
• Knowledge of process safety principles and risk assessment techniques.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Experience with process simulation software is desirable.
• Familiarity with the industrial environment in **Port Elizabeth** is preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive medical and dental insurance.
• Retirement fund contribution.
• Opportunities for career advancement and specialized training.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Access to advanced manufacturing facilities.
• Hybrid work arrangement promoting work-life integration.