Lead Chemical Engineer - Polymerization

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

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Medical cover

Pension plan

Life insurance

Professional development

Relocation aid

R&D facilities access

Job summary

Placements24 in Gauteng seeks a Lead Chemical Engineer with a deep polymerization background to drive reactor design, scale-up, and process optimization at a high-volume manufacturing facility in Tembisa. You will mentor engineers, troubleshoot operations, and lead innovation across R&D and production teams.

The role requires 10+ years in chemical engineering with polymer experience, strong kinetics knowledge, and proficiency with process control and simulation tools.

Qualifications

• Senior-level chemical engineering role with polymerization focus.
• Experience leading large, cross-functional engineering teams.
• Strong background in reactor design, scale-up, and optimization.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and optimization of polymerization processes, ensuring scalability and safety.
• Provide expert technical guidance to a team of engineers and technicians.
• Troubleshoot complex issues in polymerization units and implement solutions.
• Oversee pilot plant studies and scale-up activities for new formulations and processes.
• Maintain process documentation including P&IDs, PFDs, SOPs, and batch records.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Collaborate with R&D on product development and process innovation.
• Monitor performance metrics and drive continuous improvement.
• Conduct techno-economic evaluations for modifications and CAPEX projects.
• Stay abreast of advances in polymerization technology.

Skills

Leadership

Polymerization expertise

Process design & scale-up

APC strategies

Process control

Communication

Education

Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering (Polymer specialization)

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.