Chemical Process Engineer - Polymers

Placements24; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Polymer training courses

Industry conferences

Performance bonuses

Career advancement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Chemical Process Engineer in Sandton to optimize polymerization processes and drive continuous improvements. You will troubleshoot upsets, lead pilot trials, and scale up new polymer grades with a focus on safety and quality.

You will collaborate with R&D, QA, and production to document processes and enhance yields, applying strong polymer science knowledge and data-driven approaches in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, with polymer specialization or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in chemical/process engineering, preferably in polymer manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of polymerization kinetics, reaction engineering, and processing techniques.
• Experience with process simulation software and statistical analysis tools.
• Knowledge of process safety and environmental compliance in chemical manufacturing.
• Excellent communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Optimize polymerization processes to improve yield, efficiency, and quality.
• Troubleshoot process upsets and implement corrective actions to reduce downtime.
• Conduct process studies, pilot trials, and scale‑up activities for new grades and modifications.
• Develop and maintain process documentation (PFDs, P&IDs, procedures, material/energy balances).
• Ensure SHE compliance and safe operating conditions.
• Collaborate with R&D to evaluate new technologies and process improvements.
• Support production with technical expertise and cross‑training.
• Participate in PHAs and safety reviews.
• Monitor process performance using SPC techniques.
• Stay informed on polymer science and processing trends.

Skills

Polymer science knowledge

Process optimization

Analytical reasoning

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process simulation software

Statistical analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in advanced polymer manufacturing, is seeking a talented Chemical Process Engineer to contribute to their operations in Sandton. This role is focused on optimizing and troubleshooting polymerization processes, ensuring consistent product quality, high yields, and safe operating conditions. The successful candidate will apply their knowledge of polymer chemistry and chemical engineering principles to enhance existing production lines and support the development of new polymer formulations. You will work closely with research and development, quality assurance, and production teams to drive continuous improvement initiatives. This is an excellent opportunity to make a tangible impact in a technologically advanced manufacturing environment, contributing to the development of innovative materials. You will be involved in hands‑on process analysis and implementation, directly contributing to operational excellence. The position requires a strong understanding of polymer science and process scale‑up challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Optimize existing polymerization processes to improve yield, efficiency, and product quality.
• Troubleshoot process upsets and implement corrective actions to minimize downtime and material loss.
• Conduct process studies, pilot trials, and scale‑up activities for new polymer grades and modifications.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, including PFDs, P&IDs, operating procedures, and material/energy balances.
• Ensure adherence to all safety, health, and environmental (SHE) regulations and company standards.
• Collaborate with R&D to evaluate new technologies and process improvements for polymer manufacturing.
• Support the production team with technical expertise and training on process operations.
• Participate in process hazard analyses (PHAs) and contribute to safety reviews.
• Monitor process performance using statistical process control (SPC) techniques.
• Stay informed about industry trends and advancements in polymer science and processing.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering with a specialization in polymer science or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process engineering, preferably within the polymer manufacturing industry.
• Solid understanding of polymerization kinetics, reaction engineering, and polymer processing techniques (e.g., extrusion, molding).
• Experience with process simulation software and statistical analysis tools.
• Knowledge of process safety principles and environmental compliance in a chemical manufacturing setting.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a data-driven approach.
• Excellent communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Experience with reactor design and scale-up for polymerization is highly desirable.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) designation is an advantage.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, comprehensive medical aid, a provident fund, and opportunities for professional development, including specialized polymer training courses and industry conferences.
• Employees benefit from a challenging yet supportive work environment in Sandton , contributing to innovation in materials science.
• Performance bonuses and potential for career advancement within the organization are also provided.
• We are committed to fostering a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.