Polymer Process Engineer - Hybrid Role, Growth & Impact

Placements24; South Africa; Remote; ZAR 240,000 - 360,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Training & development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Junior Process Engineer to join a growing chemical manufacturing team in Port Elizabeth. This entry-level role welcomes recent graduates or engineers with 1–3 years of experience to support process design, optimization, and troubleshooting while learning from senior engineers.

You will analyze process data, help with hazard analyses, and contribute to safety, quality, and efficiency initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from an accredited university.
• 0–3 years of internship or professional experience in process engineering or related field.
• Strong foundation in chemical engineering principles and data analysis.
• Proficiency with Office suite; experience with process simulation is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist senior engineers in designing, developing, and implementing chemical processes.
• Collect and analyze process data to identify trends and improvements.
• Support troubleshooting for operations and equipment issues.
• Participate in process hazard analyses and safety reviews.
• Prepare process documentation including P&IDs, flow diagrams, and SOPs.
• Conduct literature reviews and research on new technologies.
• Assist with equipment specification, selection, and testing.
• Contribute to process-improvement projects to boost efficiency, quality, and safety.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Data analysis

Communication skills

Teamwork

Proactive learning

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen HYSYS

Chemcad

MS Office

Job description

About the Role Our client, a dynamic and growing chemical manufacturing company, is looking for an enthusiastic and detail-oriented Junior Process Engineer to join their team in Port Elizabeth. This is an excellent entry-level opportunity for a recent graduate or an engineer with 1-3 years of experience to gain hands-on experience in process design, optimization, and troubleshooting within a supportive environment. You will work closely with senior engineers to support ongoing projects, assist in data analysis, and contribute to process improvement initiatives. This role is designed to foster career growth and provide comprehensive training in chemical engineering principles applied to industrial production in Port Elizabeth. Our client is committed to developing talent and offering a clear career path. Key Responsibilities

• Assist senior engineers in the design, development, and implementation of chemical processes.
• Collect and analyze process data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and potential improvements.
• Support troubleshooting efforts for operational issues and equipment malfunctions.
• Participate in process hazard analyses and safety reviews under supervision.
• Prepare process documentation, including P&IDs, flow diagrams, and operating procedures.
• Conduct literature reviews and research on new technologies and methodologies.
• Assist with equipment specification, selection, and testing.
• Contribute to process improvement projects aimed at enhancing efficiency, quality, and safety.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from an accredited university.
• 0-3 years of relevant internship or professional experience in process engineering or a related field.
• A strong foundational understanding of chemical engineering principles.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); experience with simulation software (e.g., Aspen HYSYS, Chemcad) is a plus.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and quantitative skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Eagerness to learn and a proactive attitude towards challenges.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Benefits Our client provides a competitive entry-level salary, comprehensive medical aid, and a provident fund contribution. We offer robust training programs, mentorship from experienced engineers, and opportunities for professional development and further education. Employees benefit from a positive and inclusive work culture, exposure to diverse projects, and the chance to build a successful career in the chemical industry. This role is advertised for Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa. This is a remote position, allowing you to work from anywhere in South Africa.