Lead Chemical Engineer - Polymerization

Placements24; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Medical aid & dental coverage

Professional development opportunities

Access to R&D facilities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an accomplished Lead Chemical Engineer (Polymerization) in Gauteng to drive polymer production excellence. You will lead design, scale-up, and optimization of polymerization reactors, mentor engineers, and ensure safe, efficient operations across the full production cycle.

The role requires a PhD/Masters in Chemical Engineering with polymer specialization, 10+ years in chemical engineering and at least 5 years in polymerization, plus expertise in process control,

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering with a specialization in Polymer Science/Engineering
• Experience leading polymerization process design, scale-up and optimization
• Strong knowledge of reaction kinetics, thermodynamics and transport phenomena in polymers
• Leadership and team management skills
• Familiarity with APC strategies and process control systems

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and optimization of polymerization processes for scalable production
• Provide expert technical guidance and mentor a team of chemical/process engineers
• Troubleshoot complex operational issues in polymerization units and implement solutions
• Oversee pilot plant studies and scale-up activities for new formulations
• Develop and maintain process documentation including P&IDs, PFDs, SOPs
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations, environmental standards and quality systems
• Collaborate with R&D on product development and process innovation
• Monitor process performance and identify cost-saving opportunities
• Conduct techno-economic evaluations for process modifications and CAPEX
• Stay updated on the latest polymerization tech and best practices

Skills

Leadership

Polymerization

Process design

Scale-up

APC

Kinetics

ChemCAD

Aspen Plus

Mentoring

Safety compliance

Education

Master's/PhD in Chemical Eng. (Polymer)

Tools

Aspen Plus

ChemCAD

Job description

About the Role

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 optimization of polymerization 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 polymerization 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 polymerization 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 polymerization processes (e.g., free radical, anionic, cationic, condensation).
• Demonstrated experience in process design, scale‑up, and optimization of polymer manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and transport phenomena relevant to polymerization.
• 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 polymerization.
• 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 specialized 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.