Cisco Secure Access Lead Engineer / Architect (12 Month Contract)

Recruit-It; South Africa; Presencial; ZAR 1.000.000 - 1.800.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Medical aid

Relocation assistance

Extensive professional development

Descripción de la vacante

Recruit-It seeks a Lead Chemical Engineer in South Africa to lead polymerisation process design, scale-up, and optimization at a major manufacturing facility in Gauteng. The role requires hands-on leadership, advanced polymer science expertise, and a track record of delivering safe, efficient operations.

You will mentor a team of chemical and process engineers, collaborate with R&D, QA and operations, and drive continuous improvement across production targets and product quality.

Formación

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering with Polymer specialization.
• 10+ years of chemical engineering experience, 5+ years in polymerisation.
• Proven leadership and project management in a manufacturing setting.
• Strong knowledge of reaction engineering and polymer process design.

Responsabilidades

• Lead design, development and optimisation of polymerisation processes.
• Mentor engineers and coordinate cross-functional teams.
• Troubleshoot polymerisation unit issues and implement solutions.
• Oversee pilot plant studies and scale-up activities.
• Develop process documentation (P&IDs, PFDs, SOPs).
• Ensure safety, environmental and quality system compliance.

Conocimientos

Polymerization

Leadership

Process design

APC

Aspen Plus

Team mentoring

Educación

Master’s or PhD in Chemical Engineering

Herramientas

Aspen Plus

ChemCAD

Descripción del empleo

Lead Chemical Engineer

Our client is actively searching for a highly skilled and experienced Lead Chemical Engineer specializing in Polymerization Processes to join their advanced manufacturing facility located in Tembisa, Gauteng. This senior position is crucial for driving innovation and optimizing production within their state‑of‑the‑art polymer production unit. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading technical initiatives, mentoring junior engineers, and ensuring the efficient, safe, and sustainable operation of complex polymerization reactors and associated equipment. You will play a key role in process design, scale‑up, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement projects, contributing significantly to the company’s market leadership in specialty polymers. This role demands a strong theoretical foundation coupled with practical, hands‑on experience in a high‑volume manufacturing environment. The role involves close collaboration with research and development, quality control, and plant operations teams to achieve production targets and enhance product quality.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and optimisation of polymerisation processes, ensuring scalability, efficiency, and safety.
• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to a team of chemical and process engineers.
• Troubleshoot complex operational issues in polymerisation units, identifying root causes and implementing effective solutions.
• Oversee pilot plant studies and scale‑up activities for new polymer formulations and processes.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, including P&IDs, PFDs, operating procedures, and batch records.
• Ensure all processes comply with stringent safety regulations, environmental standards, and quality management systems.
• Collaborate with the R&D department on new product development and process innovation.
• Monitor process performance metrics, identify areas for improvement, and implement cost‑saving initiatives.
• Conduct techno‑economic evaluations for process modifications and capital expenditure projects.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in polymerisation technology and process engineering best practices.

Requirements

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering with a specialization in Polymer Science or Polymer Engineering.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in chemical engineering, with at least 5 years focused on polymerisation processes (e.g., free radical, anionic, cationic, condensation).
• Demonstrated experience in process design, scale‑up, and optimisation of polymer manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and transport phenomena relevant to polymerisation.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent problem‑solving, analytical, and critical‑thinking abilities.
• Familiarity with process control systems and advanced process control (APC) strategies in polymerisation.
• Experience with process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, ChemCAD) is essential.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Membership in relevant professional engineering bodies is an advantage.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package with annual performance bonus.
• Comprehensive medical aid, vision, and dental coverage.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Pension fund contribution and life assurance.
• Extensive opportunities for professional development, including conferences and specialised training.
• Access to cutting‑edge research and development facilities.
• Relocation assistance provided for successful candidates relocating to Tembisa, Gauteng.
• A stimulating work environment at the forefront of polymer innovation.