Process Engineer - Extrusion Specialist

Placements24; Rustenburg; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a hands-on Process Engineer specializing in polymer extrusion in Rustenburg, North West. You will drive process development, optimization, and troubleshooting to enhance product quality and reduce costs.

You will collaborate with R&D and production teams to implement new extrusion technologies and validate new processes. The role requires a strong analytical mindset, 5+ years of extrusion experience, and the ability to design equipment improvements while ensuring safety

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Polymer Science or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in process engineering with polymer extrusion specialization.
• Strong knowledge of extrusion equipment, die design and material processing characteristics.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize and troubleshoot extrusion processes for various polymer materials to meet product specs.
• Design and specify extrusion equipment and tooling with suppliers and internal teams.
• Conduct process capability studies and implement SPC methodologies.
• Analyze production data to identify efficiency, yield and waste reduction opportunities.
• Lead process validation activities for new products and equipment.
• Provide technical support and training to production personnel on extrusion processes.

Skills

Process engineering

Polymer extrusion

SPC & quality control

Data analysis

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical/Mechanical Engineering or Polymer Science

Tools

Process simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading producer of specialized polymer products, is seeking an innovative and experienced Process Engineer with a focus on extrusion to join their team in **Rustenburg**, **North West**. This role is integral to optimizing and developing extrusion processes to enhance product quality, improve efficiency, and reduce manufacturing costs. The Process Engineer will be responsible for troubleshooting extrusion issues, implementing new technologies, and collaborating with R&D and production teams to drive innovation. This is a challenging and rewarding position for an individual passionate about polymer science and process optimization. We are looking for a hands-on engineer with a strong analytical mindset and a proven ability to solve complex technical problems. Your expertise will be crucial in ensuring our client remains at the forefront of extrusion technology and maintains its competitive edge. The successful candidate will play a key role in designing, implementing, and validating new extrusion processes and equipment, contributing directly to the company's growth and success. This position offers significant opportunities for professional development within a well-established manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot extrusion processes for various polymer materials to achieve desired product specifications and quality standards.
• Design and specify new extrusion equipment and tooling, collaborating with equipment suppliers and internal engineering teams.
• Conduct process capability studies and implement statistical process control (SPC) methodologies.
• Analyze production data to identify areas for improvement in efficiency, yield, and waste reduction.
• Lead process validation activities for new products and equipment.
• Provide technical support and training to production personnel on extrusion processes and equipment.
• Stay abreast of advancements in extrusion technology and polymer science, recommending and implementing innovative solutions.
• Ensure all process changes comply with safety regulations and environmental standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Polymer Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in process engineering, with a strong specialization in polymer extrusion.
• In-depth knowledge of extrusion equipment, die design, and material processing characteristics.
• Experience with troubleshooting extrusion defects (e.g., surface imperfections, dimensional inaccuracies, material degradation).
• Proficiency in process simulation software and data analysis tools.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to **Rustenburg**, **North West**.

Benefits

• Attractive salary commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and provident fund.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Opportunity to work with advanced technologies in a dynamic manufacturing setting.
• Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.