Chemical Process Engineer - Polymers

Placements24; Noord-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement savings

Paid time off

Career development

Job summary

Placements24 in Kimberley, Northern Cape, is seeking a skilled Chemical Process Engineer specialized in polymer manufacturing to join the operations team on-site. You will drive process improvements, troubleshoot, and support daily plant operations with a focus on polymer quality and safety.

The role emphasizes collaboration with R&D, QA, and maintenance, plus developing SOPs and participating in PHAs. Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering and at least 5 years of relevant experience are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or equivalent.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in chemical process engineering with polymer focus.
• Familiarity with polymer chemistry, polymerization techniques and processing equipment.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze polymer production processes to identify efficiency, yield and quality improvements.
• Troubleshoot process issues and implement solutions to minimize downtime and ensure product consistency.
• Develop and implement process modifications to enhance safety, environmental performance and cost-effectiveness.
• Participate in PHAs and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
• Collaborate with R&D, quality control and maintenance to support production goals.
• Develop and update SOPs and operating manuals.
• Support commissioning and validation of new equipment and process changes.
• Analyze process data and prepare KPI reports.
• Ensure adherence to quality management systems and environmental standards.
• Provide technical guidance to production operators and technicians.

Skills

Polymer processing

Process optimization

PSM familiarity

Analytical skills

On-site collaboration

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a skilled Chemical Process Engineer with expertise in polymer manufacturing to join their operations team in Kimberley, Northern Cape. This role is critical for optimizing and ensuring the efficient, safe, and high-quality production of polymer-based products. You will be involved in process troubleshooting, continuous improvement initiatives, and supporting the day-to-day operations of the plant. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of polymer chemistry, processing techniques, and relevant unit operations. This is an on-site position, offering the opportunity to work directly with production teams and state-of-the-art polymer manufacturing equipment in Kimberley. Your contributions will be vital in enhancing process efficiency and product quality.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze polymer production processes to identify areas for improvement in efficiency, yield, and quality.
• Troubleshoot process issues and implement effective solutions to minimize downtime and ensure product consistency.
• Develop and implement process modifications to enhance safety, environmental performance, and operational cost-effectiveness.
• Participate in process hazard analyses (PHAs) and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
• Collaborate with R&D, quality control, and maintenance departments to support production goals.
• Develop and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) and operating manuals.
• Support the commissioning and validation of new equipment and process changes.
• Analyze process data and prepare reports on key performance indicators.
• Ensure adherence to quality management systems and environmental standards.
• Provide technical guidance and support to production operators and technicians.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in chemical process engineering, with a specialization in polymer manufacturing or processing.
• Strong understanding of polymer chemistry, polymerization techniques, and polymer processing equipment.
• Proven experience in process troubleshooting, optimization, and continuous improvement.
• Familiarity with process safety management (PSM) principles and environmental regulations.
• Experience with process simulation software is a plus.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively on-site and collaborate with diverse teams.
• Knowledge of quality control methodologies in polymer production.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive annual salary, performance-based bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance and retirement savings.
• Employees enjoy generous paid time off.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement are provided.
• Our Kimberley facility is a key production site, and this role offers direct impact on manufacturing operations.
• Join a team committed to excellence in polymer production and innovation.