Lead Chemical Engineer - Polymer Production

Placements24; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical insurance

Pension fund

Professional growth & international培训

Job summary

Placements24 in Gauteng seeks a Lead Chemical Engineer to oversee polymer production processes at the Tembisa facility. You will drive design, scale-up and optimization to ensure high-quality outputs and efficient operations.

Applicants should have 10+ years in chemical process engineering, with at least 5 years in polymer production, and strong leadership, safety, and project management skills. The role emphasizes innovation and strict compliance with safety standards.

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Chemical Engineering or Polymer Science is required.
• 10+ years in chemical process engineering with at least 5 years in polymer production.
• Expertise in polymerization kinetics, reactor design and separation technologies.
• Strong knowledge of process safety, HAZOP studies and risk assessment.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Experience with process simulation software such as ChemCAD and PRO/II.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and optimization of polymer production processes.
• Oversee process design, scale-up, and implementation of new polymer technologies.
• Ensure product quality through rigorous process control.
• Conduct root cause analysis for deviations and implement corrective actions.
• Manage capital projects related to polymer production facilities.
• Develop and execute process safety management (PSM) programs.
• Mentor and develop engineers and technical staff.
• Collaborate with R&D to translate lab innovations to production.

Skills

Leadership

Polymer Chemistry

Process Safety

HAZOP & Risk

Reactor Design

Process Simulation

Education

MSc or PhD in Chemical Engineering or Polymer Science

Tools

ChemCAD

PRO/II

Job description

About the Role

Join our client, a global leader in specialty chemicals, as a Lead Chemical Engineer. This exciting opportunity is based in Tembisa, Gauteng, focusing on advanced polymer production. You will be responsible for overseeing the design, implementation, and optimization of polymerization processes, ensuring high product quality and operational efficiency. This role requires a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of polymer chemistry and process scale‑up. You will lead a team of dedicated engineers and technicians, driving innovation and ensuring adherence to the strictest safety and environmental standards. This is a critical position within our client's manufacturing division, contributing directly to their success in the global polymer market. The Tembisa facility is a state‑of‑the‑art plant where you can make a significant impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and optimization of polymer production processes
• Oversee process design, scale‑up, and implementation of new polymer technologies
• Ensure product consistency and quality through rigorous process control
• Conduct root cause analysis for process deviations and implement corrective actions
• Manage capital projects related to polymer production facilities
• Develop and execute comprehensive process safety management (PSM) programs
• Mentor and develop a team of chemical engineers and technical staff
• Collaborate with R&D to translate laboratory innovations into commercial‑scale production
• Ensure compliance with all relevant industry regulations and our client's internal policies
• Prepare detailed technical reports and present findings to senior management

Requirements

• MSc or PhD in Chemical Engineering or Polymer Science
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in chemical process engineering, with at least 5 years specifically in polymer production
• Demonstrated expertise in polymerization kinetics, reactor design, and separation technologies
• Strong knowledge of process safety, HAZOP studies, and risk assessment
• Proven leadership and team management skills
• Experience with process simulation software (e.g., ChemCAD, PRO/II)
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving abilities
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Ability to manage complex projects and budgets effectively
• Membership in relevant professional engineering bodies is an asset

Benefits

This position offers a highly competitive salary and bonus structure, commensurate with experience. Our client provides an excellent benefits package, including comprehensive medical and dental insurance, a substantial pension fund, and extensive opportunities for professional growth and international training. The work environment in Tembisa, Gauteng is dynamic and supportive, with a strong emphasis on innovation and teamwork.