Lead Chemical Engineer - Polymer Production

Placements24; Kempton Park; In loco; ZAR 1.600.000 - 2.400.000; Tempo pieno

Vantaggi offerti da questo lavoro

Competitive salary plus bonus

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Retirement fund contributions

Career advancement opportunities

Paid leave and sick days

Training and development programs

Access to R&D facilities

Descrizione del lavoro

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Lead Chemical Engineer to drive polymer production initiatives in Tembisa, Gauteng. This role leads process design, scale-up, and continuous improvement across manufacturing assets, with a focus on safety, quality, and environmental performance.

You will manage a team of engineers and technicians, oversee PHAs, risk assessments, and deployment of advanced process technologies, collaborating with R&D to translate lab breakthroughs into commercial-scale

Competenze

• Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering with a Polymer specialization.
• 10+ years in chemical process engineering, with at least 5 years in a leadership role in polymer manufacturing.
• Expertise in polymer synthesis, polymerization kinetics, and reactor design.
• Proficiency with process simulation software and advanced analytical techniques.
• Strong understanding of process safety management (PSM) and HAZOP methodologies.
• Proven experience in project management, including scope development, budget control, and risk management.

Mansioni

• Lead design, development, and optimization of polymer processes for scalable manufacturing.
• Supervise a team of engineers and technicians, providing mentorship and performance management.
• Conduct PHAs and risk assessments; implement safety protocols for polymer production.
• Oversee commissioning and startup of new production lines and equipment.
• Develop strategies for continuous yield, quality, energy reduction and waste minimization.
• Collaborate with R&D to translate lab innovations into commercial-scale processes.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources for engineering projects.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations, environmental standards, and company policies.
• Troubleshoot complex process issues and drive timely solutions.

Conoscenze

Polymer synthesis

Polymerization kinetics

Reactor design

PSM & HAZOP

Leadership

Project management

Process safety

Communication

Team management

Formazione

Master's in Chemical Engineering

PhD in Chemical Engineering

Strumenti

Process simulation

Analytical methods

Descrizione del lavoro

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced and visionary Lead Chemical Engineer to spearhead their polymer production initiatives in Tembisa, Gauteng. This senior position is crucial for driving innovation and operational excellence in one of the company’s core manufacturing areas. You will be responsible for overseeing the entire lifecycle of polymer production processes, from conceptualization and design to optimization and scale-up. The role demands a deep understanding of polymer chemistry, process technology, and stringent quality control measures. We are looking for a leader who can inspire a team, manage complex projects, and ensure the highest standards of safety and environmental performance. The Tembisa facility is a hub of advanced manufacturing, and this role offers the chance to make a significant impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and optimization of chemical processes for polymer manufacturing, ensuring scalability and efficiency.
• Supervise a team of chemical engineers and technicians, providing technical guidance, mentorship, and performance management.
• Conduct thorough process hazard analyses (PHAs), risk assessments, and implement robust safety protocols specific to polymer production.
• Oversee the commissioning and startup of new production lines and equipment, ensuring seamless integration and operational readiness.
• Develop and implement strategies for continuous improvement in yield, quality, energy consumption, and waste reduction.
• Collaborate closely with research and development teams to translate laboratory innovations into viable commercial-scale processes.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources effectively for assigned engineering projects.
• Ensure compliance with all industry regulations, environmental standards, and company policies.
• Troubleshoot complex process issues, driving timely and effective solutions.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering with a specialization in Polymer Science or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in chemical process engineering, with at least 5 years in a leadership role within polymer manufacturing.
• Demonstrated expertise in polymer synthesis, polymerization kinetics, and reactor design.
• Proficiency with process simulation software and advanced analytical techniques.
• Strong understanding of process safety management (PSM) and HAZOP methodologies.
• Proven experience in project management, including scope development, budget control, and risk management.
• Exceptional leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet challenging deadlines.
• Experience with pilot plant operations and scale-up is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and bonus structure reflecting leadership experience.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous retirement fund contribution and life insurance.
• Significant opportunities for career advancement and international exposure.
• Paid leave and sick days policy.
• Access to state-of-the-art research and development facilities.
• Company-provided professional development and training programs.