Chemical Engineer - Polymerization Processes

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid package

Provident fund

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Chemical Engineer in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, to develop and optimize polymerization processes, troubleshoot operation issues and boost product quality and throughput.

Requires 5+ years in chemical processing, knowledge of polymerization kinetics, reactor design, process control, and familiarity with Aspen Plus. Richards Bay experience is a plus.

Join a collaborative team focused on safety, efficiency and innovation in a major industrial operation.

Qualifications

• B.Eng. or B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering required.
• Minimum 5 years in chemical process engineering focused on polymerization.
• Experience with polymerization kinetics, reactor design, and process control.
• Familiarity with Aspen Plus and process simulation.

Responsibilities

• Optimize polymerization processes to boost quality, yield, and throughput.
• Develop and implement new polymerization strategies.
• Monitor parameters and conduct root cause analysis for deviations.
• Collaborate with R&D to scale from lab to commercial.
• Design and execute pilot plant experiments to validate changes.
• Prepare PFDs, P&IDs and SOPs.
• Conduct PHAs and ensure regulatory safety compliance.
• Provide technical support to production and troubleshoot issues.
• Analyze data to identify improvements and cost reductions.

Skills

Polymerization expertise

Reaction engineering

Process optimization

Data analysis

Teamwork

Education

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

Tools

Aspen Plus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a key player in the industrial chemicals sector, is seeking a talented Chemical Engineer to join their innovative team in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This role focuses on the development, optimization, and troubleshooting of polymerization processes critical to their product lines. You will be instrumental in ensuring the efficiency, quality, and safety of our polymerization units, working closely with operations and research teams. The ideal candidate will have a solid understanding of polymer chemistry and reaction engineering, coupled with strong analytical skills and a practical approach to problem-solving. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to a significant industrial operation in Richards Bay, working on challenging and rewarding projects within a supportive and professional environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Optimize existing polymerization processes to enhance product quality, yield, and throughput.
• Develop and implement new polymerization strategies and technologies.
• Monitor process parameters and performance, conducting root cause analysis for deviations.
• Collaborate with R&D to scale up new polymer grades and processes from lab to commercial scale.
• Design and execute pilot plant experiments to validate process changes.
• Prepare process documentation, including PFDs, P&IDs, and standard operating procedures.
• Conduct Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs) and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
• Provide technical support to the production team and troubleshoot operational issues.
• Analyze process data to identify areas for improvement and cost reduction.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of polymerization technologies and best practices.

Requirements

• B.Eng. or B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in chemical process engineering, with a focus on polymerization.
• Strong knowledge of polymerization kinetics, reactor design, and process control.
• Experience with process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus).
• Familiarity with polymer characterization techniques is a plus.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot complex process issues.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good communication and teamwork abilities.
• Understanding of safety protocols and environmental regulations in chemical manufacturing.
• Experience in the Richards Bay industrial environment is advantageous.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and a provident fund, and opportunities for professional development.

Join a team that values innovation and employee growth in KwaZulu-Natal.