Polymer Process Engineer: Scale-Up & Innovation (Hybrid Pretoria)

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Process Development Engineer in Pretoria, Gauteng to drive development and optimization of manufacturing processes for polymer additives. The role involves translating lab-scale innovations into robust, scalable industrial processes while collaborating with R&D and production teams.

The ideal candidate has a chemical engineering or polymer science background with 5+ years in process development, scale-up, and data analysis, plus knowledge of kinetics and polymer

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or Polymer Science.
• 5+ years of experience in process development, scale-up, and optimization.
• Strong knowledge of reaction kinetics, polymer chemistry, and separation techniques.
• Hands-on experience with pilot plant operations and data analysis.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen HYSYS, Chemcad) is desirable.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize chemical processes for synthesis and production of polymer additives.
• Conduct pilot plant trials and scale-up studies to define optimal operating parameters.
• Design and implement experiments to improve yield, purity and efficiency.
• Troubleshoot process issues, identify root causes and implement solutions.
• Develop PFDs and P&IDs for new processes and equipment.
• Collaborate with R&D to ensure smooth lab-to-production transfer.
• Ensure compliance with SAFETY, HEALTH and ENVIRONMENT regulations.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, process documentation and guidelines.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies or equipment for process improvements.

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or Polymer Science

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Process Development Engineer in Pretoria, Gauteng to drive development and optimization of manufacturing processes for polymer additives. The role involves translating lab-scale innovations into robust, scalable industrial processes while collaborating with R&D and production teams.

The ideal candidate has a chemical engineering or polymer science background with 5+ years in process development, scale-up, and data analysis, plus knowledge of kinetics and polymer