Chemical Process Engineer - Polymerization Focus

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 850,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Life insurance

Annual performance-based bonus

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban is seeking a skilled Chemical Process Engineer to join a modern polymer manufacturing facility. The role focuses on optimizing polymerization processes, supporting day-to-day operations, and improving product quality, safety, and throughput.

The ideal candidate has a strong theoretical foundation and hands-on experience in chemical manufacturing, with familiarity in polymer chem and process safety, and the ability to work across R&D, production, and maintenance teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a chemical manufacturing environment, with a focus on polymerization processes.
• Hands-on troubleshooting and process optimization experience.
• Familiarity with polymer chemistry and polymerization techniques.
• Knowledge of process safety principles.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Willingness to work in a plant environment with occasional off-shift support.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze process data to identify improvement opportunities in polymerization and downstream processing.
• Troubleshoot operational issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions.
• Support plant start-ups, shutdowns, and major maintenance activities.
• Develop and implement process optimization projects to improve yield and throughput and reduce waste.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Collaborate with R&D, production, and maintenance teams for technology transfer and continuous improvement.
• Assist in developing and reviewing SOPs and P&IDs.
• Participate in Process Hazard Analyses and implement safety measures.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Chemical Process Engineer to join their innovative manufacturing facility located in Durban. This role is crucial for optimizing and ensuring the efficiency of our advanced polymerization processes. You will be involved in day-to-day operational support, process troubleshooting, and the implementation of improvements to enhance product quality, safety, and throughput. This position offers a fantastic opportunity to work with cutting-edge polymer technology in a vibrant industrial setting. The ideal candidate possesses a strong theoretical foundation coupled with practical, hands-on experience in a chemical manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze process data to identify opportunities for improvement in polymerization reactions and downstream processing.
• Troubleshoot operational issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions.
• Support plant start-ups, shutdowns, and major maintenance activities.
• Develop and implement process optimization projects to improve yield, reduce cycle times, and minimize waste.
• Ensure all process activities adhere to strict safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Collaborate with R&D, production, and maintenance teams to ensure effective technology transfer and continuous improvement.
• Assist in the development and review of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and P&IDs.
• Participate in Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs) and implement recommended safety measures.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a chemical manufacturing environment, with a strong focus on polymerization processes.
• Hands-on experience with process troubleshooting and optimization.
• Familiarity with polymer chemistry and common polymerization techniques (e.g., emulsion, suspension, solution).
• Knowledge of process safety principles and practices.
• Proficiency with process simulation software is a plus.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a plant environment, including occasional off-shift support if required.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, a provident fund, and life insurance.
• Employees are eligible for an annual performance-based bonus.
• We provide opportunities for professional development through internal and external training programs.
• Our Durban facility is equipped with modern amenities, and we foster a strong safety culture.
• Paid time off includes annual leave and sick leave.
• We are committed to employee well-being and offer various wellness programs.
• This is an excellent opportunity to advance your career in a stable and growing industry.