Principal Chemical Engineer - Polymerization

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus potential

Medical and dental coverage

Life insurance

Generous retirement fund

International travel for conferences

Leadership development programs

Hybrid work arrangement"

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Chemical Engineer in Durban to lead polymerization technologies across multiple product lines. You will mentor engineers, drive R&D on catalysts, and optimize reactor design and process control to enhance quality and efficiency.

The role requires a PhD or MSc in a related field with 10+ years in polymer process development, and a strong track record in polymer science, rheology, and characterization. Hybrid work in Durban is offered.

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or closely related field.
• 10+ years hands-on experience in polymer process development and polymerization.
• Experience with batch, semi-batch, or continuous polymerization and catalysts.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical leadership on polymerization processes (batch, semi-batch, continuous).
• Lead R&D on new polymers, catalysts, and process control strategies.
• Design and troubleshoot polymerization reactors and downstream equipment.
• Develop advanced control strategies to optimize quality and yields.
• Mentor junior engineers and enforce safety and environmental standards.

Skills

Polymerization techniques

Polymer rheology

Process modeling

Leadership & mentoring

Regulatory compliance

Education

Ph.D. or MSc in Chemical Engineering/Polymer Science

Tools

Process simulation software

Catalyst development

Modeling & optimization tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in advanced materials and polymers, is seeking a distinguished Principal Chemical Engineer with specialized expertise in Polymerization processes. This senior position, based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, will serve as the technical authority for polymerization technologies, driving innovation and ensuring operational excellence across multiple product lines. You will tackle complex engineering challenges related to monomer synthesis, polymerization kinetics, reactor design, and polymer characterization. The ideal candidate possesses extensive experience in various polymerization techniques, a deep understanding of polymer science, and a strong ability to mentor and guide other engineers. This role is critical for maintaining our client's competitive edge in the specialty polymers market and will involve significant strategic input.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical leadership and guidance on all aspects of polymerization processes, including batch, semi-batch, and continuous polymerization.
• Lead research and development initiatives focused on new polymer materials, improved polymerization catalysts, and enhanced process control strategies.
• Design, model, and troubleshoot polymerization reactors and associated downstream processing equipment.
• Develop and implement advanced process control strategies to ensure consistent product quality and optimize yields.
• Conduct in-depth analysis of polymerization kinetics, thermodynamics, and reaction mechanisms.
• Oversee polymer characterization studies and correlate material properties with process parameters.
• Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, and business units to translate scientific concepts into commercial realities.
• Mentor and develop junior and mid-level chemical engineers specializing in polymer science and engineering.
• Ensure strict adherence to safety regulations and environmental standards in all polymerization operations.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of hands-on experience in polymer process development and engineering, with a significant portion focused on polymerization.
• Demonstrated expertise in one or more polymerization techniques (e.g., free radical, ionic, condensation).
• Strong knowledge of polymer rheology, material science, and characterization methods (e.g., GPC, DSC, TGA, NMR).
• Proven experience with process simulation and modeling tools applied to polymerization reactors.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking abilities.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with catalyst development and handling is a strong asset.
• Eligibility to work full-time in South Africa .

Benefits

Our client offers an industry-leading compensation package, commensurate with experience, including a substantial bonus potential. Benefits include comprehensive medical and dental coverage, life insurance, and a generous retirement fund. Significant opportunities for professional growth, international travel for conferences, and leadership development programs are available. The work environment in Durban is dynamic and research-oriented. A hybrid work arrangement allows for a balance between focused R&D work and essential team collaboration. Access to cutting-edge laboratory and pilot plant facilities is provided.