Lead Chemical Engineer - Polymerization Specialist

Placements24; South Africa; Remote; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life assurance

Retirement plan

Job summary

Placements24 in Gauteng seeks a Lead Chemical Engineer specializing in polymerization to drive development, optimization, and scale-up of advanced polymerization techniques at its Tembisa facility. You will guide engineers and technicians, champion continuous improvement, and ensure safe, sustainable production of high-performance polymers.

The ideal candidate has a deep theoretical and practical grasp of polymerization kinetics, reactor design, and polymer characterization, and will contribute

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or Polymer Science.
• At least 10 years of chemical engineering experience, with 5+ years in polymerization.
• Expertise in polymerization mechanisms and reactor design.
• Strong leadership and project management skills.
• Experience with SHE and safety/regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and optimization of polymerization processes.
• Oversee pilot plant operations and scale-up from lab to production.
• Troubleshoot polymerization issues, including reaction control and product quality.
• Ensure safety, environmental compliance, and quality standards.
• Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, and QA teams to meet project goals.
• Mentor and develop junior engineers and technicians.
• Prepare process documentation, reports, and P&IDs.

Skills

Polymerization

Reactor design

Process modeling

Team leadership

SHE

Polymer characterization

Technical writing

Education

Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering or Polymer Science

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering specialty chemicals manufacturer, is seeking an accomplished Lead Chemical Engineer with a specialization in polymerization processes to join their innovative facility in **Tembisa, Gauteng**. This senior position involves leading the development, optimization, and scale-up of advanced polymerization techniques. You will play a crucial role in driving product innovation and ensuring the efficient, safe, and sustainable production of high-performance polymers. The ideal candidate possesses a deep theoretical and practical understanding of polymerization kinetics, reactor design, and polymer characterization. You will be responsible for guiding a team of chemical engineers and technicians, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence. This role offers significant opportunities to shape the future of polymer science within a company committed to technological advancement and market leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and optimization of polymerization processes.
• Oversee pilot plant operations and scale-up from lab to commercial production.
• Troubleshoot complex polymerization issues, including reaction control and product quality.
• Ensure all process activities adhere strictly to safety protocols, environmental regulations, and quality standards.
• Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, and quality assurance teams to achieve project goals.
• Mentor and develop junior engineering staff involved in polymerization processes.
• Conduct technical reviews and author detailed process documentation, reports, and P&IDs.
• Evaluate and implement new technologies and methodologies in polymerization.
• Manage process safety information and conduct hazard analyses for polymerization units.
• Contribute to strategic planning for polymer product development and manufacturing.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or Polymer Science from a reputable institution.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in chemical engineering, with at least 5 years focused on polymerization processes.
• Extensive knowledge of various polymerization mechanisms (e.g., free radical, ionic, condensation).
• Hands-on experience with reactor design and optimization for polymerization.
• Familiarity with polymer characterization techniques and analytical methods.
• Proven leadership experience, with the ability to manage and motivate technical teams.
• Expertise in process simulation and modeling for polymerization systems.
• Excellent problem-solving capabilities and strong decision-making skills.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication abilities.
• Demonstrated commitment to SHE (Safety, Health, and Environment) principles.

Benefits

• Our client provides a competitive salary package
• comprehensive health insurance
• life assurance
• and a substantial retirement savings plan.
• This role offers exciting opportunities for professional growth, including attending international conferences and advanced training programs.
• Employees will work in a modern, well-equipped laboratory and production facility in **Tembisa, Gauteng**, with access to cutting-edge technology and resources.
• The company culture fosters innovation, collaboration, and employee well-being, offering a stimulating and rewarding career path.