Polymerization Process Engineer - Optimize Yield & Safety

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 850,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Life insurance

Annual performance-based bonus

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban is seeking a skilled Chemical Process Engineer to join a modern polymer manufacturing facility. The role focuses on optimizing polymerization processes, supporting day-to-day operations, and improving product quality, safety, and throughput.

The ideal candidate has a strong theoretical foundation and hands-on experience in chemical manufacturing, with familiarity in polymer chem and process safety, and the ability to work across R&D, production, and maintenance teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a chemical manufacturing environment, with a focus on polymerization processes.
• Hands-on troubleshooting and process optimization experience.
• Familiarity with polymer chemistry and polymerization techniques.
• Knowledge of process safety principles.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Willingness to work in a plant environment with occasional off-shift support.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze process data to identify improvement opportunities in polymerization and downstream processing.
• Troubleshoot operational issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions.
• Support plant start-ups, shutdowns, and major maintenance activities.
• Develop and implement process optimization projects to improve yield and throughput and reduce waste.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Collaborate with R&D, production, and maintenance teams for technology transfer and continuous improvement.
• Assist in developing and reviewing SOPs and P&IDs.
• Participate in Process Hazard Analyses and implement safety measures.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process simulation software

Job description

Placements24 in Durban is seeking a skilled Chemical Process Engineer to join a modern polymer manufacturing facility. The role focuses on optimizing polymerization processes, supporting day-to-day operations, and improving product quality, safety, and throughput.

The ideal candidate has a strong theoretical foundation and hands-on experience in chemical manufacturing, with familiarity in polymer chem and process safety, and the ability to work across R&D, production, and maintenance teams.