Process Design Engineer - Polymers

Placements24; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 550,000 - 850,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Health insurance coverage

Retirement savings plan

Paid time off

Relocation assistance

Professional development opportunities

Advanced design tools access

Wellbeing programs

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a skilled Process Design Engineer for a leading global polymer materials manufacturer in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. You will conceptualize, design and optimize polymer production processes from feasibility through to detailed design, ensuring safe and environmentally sound operations.

The role requires a strong chemical engineering foundation, polymer processing expertise and proficiency in process simulation tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering required.
• 5-8 years of process design experience in polymer manufacturing.
• Proficient in process simulation software (Aspen Plus, HYSYS or similar).
• Strong grasp of polymer chemistry, reaction engineering and processing techniques.
• Experience with P&ID development and equipment sizing.
• Knowledge of process safety and hazard analysis techniques.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and organizational skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication; team-oriented, project-driven.

Responsibilities

• Develop process designs and PFDs for new polymer production facilities.
• Create detailed P&IDs for plant equipment.
• Perform simulations and modeling to optimize kinetics, separation and heat transfer.
• Conduct feasibility studies and economic evaluations for proposed designs.
• Specify process equipment including reactors, exchangers, pumps and distillation columns.
• Ensure designs comply with safety, environmental standards and best practices.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical and control engineers during projects.
• Troubleshoot processes and identify debottlenecking opportunities.
• Prepare technical specifications, operating manuals and commissioning plans.
• Stay updated on new polymer processing technologies.

Skills

Process Design

Polymer Processing

Process Simulation

P&ID Development

Hazard Analysis

Project Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent global manufacturer of advanced polymer materials, is seeking a skilled Process Design Engineer to join their expanding operations in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape . This critical role involves the conceptualization, design, and optimization of processes for the production of high-performance polymers. The engineer will work on projects from initial feasibility studies through to detailed design, ensuring efficient, safe, and environmentally sound operations. The ideal candidate possesses a strong foundation in chemical engineering principles, extensive experience with polymer processing, and proficiency in process simulation and design software. This is a key position within our client's strategic manufacturing hub in Port Elizabeth .

Key Responsibilities

• Develop process designs and flow diagrams (PFDs) for new polymer production facilities.
• Create detailed process and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs) for plant equipment.
• Perform process simulations and modeling to optimize reaction kinetics, separation, and heat transfer.
• Conduct feasibility studies and economic evaluations for proposed process designs.
• Specify process equipment, including reactors, heat exchangers, pumps, and distillation columns.
• Ensure designs comply with safety regulations, environmental standards, and industry best practices.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (mechanical, electrical, control engineers) during project execution.
• Troubleshoot existing processes and identify opportunities for improvement and debottlenecking.
• Prepare technical specifications, operating manuals, and commissioning plans.
• Stay updated on new technologies and advancements in polymer processing.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• 5-8 years of experience in process design engineering, with a significant focus on polymer manufacturing.
• Proficiency in process simulation software such as Aspen Plus, HYSYS, or similar.
• Strong understanding of polymer chemistry, reaction engineering, and polymer processing techniques.
• Experience in P&ID development and equipment sizing.
• Knowledge of process safety principles and hazard analysis techniques.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a project-driven environment.
• Experience with scale-up and pilot plant operations is advantageous.
• Must be located in or willing to relocate to Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, including potential for performance-related bonuses.
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage, including medical, dental, and optical plans.
• A generous retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
• Paid time off in accordance with company policy and South African labor laws.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development, including relevant courses and industry certifications.
• Relocation assistance will be provided to successful candidates moving to Port Elizabeth.
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment.
• Access to advanced design tools and simulation software.
• Employee wellness programs designed to support work-life balance.
• We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace in Port Elizabeth.