Process Engineer - Polymer Manufacturing

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid & retirement

Growth opportunities

Advanced polymer tech exposure

Safe, collaborative environment

Hybrid work

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a diligent Process Engineer for a polymer manufacturer in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. The role focuses on optimizing existing production processes, troubleshooting operational issues, and driving improvements in a state‑of‑the‑art facility through hands‑on engineering work.

You will analyze plant data, design experimental plans, and collaborate with production, maintenance, and QA teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• 3–5 years in a process engineering role in polymer/chemical manufacturing.
• Knowledge of polymerization, extrusion, and compounding.
• Familiarity with process simulation software.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
• Knowledge of safety and environmental regulations.

Responsibilities

• Monitor plant performance data to identify optimization opportunities.
• Troubleshoot deviations and minimize downtime and waste.
• Develop and execute experimental plans for process improvements.
• Assist in design and implementation of process modifications and equipment upgrades.
• Prepare technical reports and SOPs.
• Ensure SHE standards and procedures are followed.
• Collaborate with production, maintenance, and QA teams.
• Support transfer of new technologies from R&D to manufacturing.
• Participate in PHAs and risk assessments.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Communication

Teamwork

SPC experience

Polymer processing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent manufacturer in the polymer industry, is seeking a diligent Process Engineer to join their team in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. This role is focused on optimizing existing production processes, troubleshooting operational issues, and contributing to process improvements within their state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. The successful candidate will have a solid understanding of chemical engineering principles as applied to polymer production, including polymerization reactions, extrusion, and material handling. This position offers a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a key industrial sector, with a hybrid work arrangement providing flexibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze plant performance data to identify opportunities for process optimization and efficiency gains.
• Troubleshoot process deviations and implement effective solutions to minimize downtime and waste.
• Develop and execute experimental plans for process improvements and product trials.
• Assist in the design and implementation of process modifications and equipment upgrades.
• Prepare technical reports, process documentation, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Ensure adherence to safety, health, and environmental (SHE) standards and procedures.
• Collaborate with production, maintenance, and quality assurance teams to ensure smooth operations.
• Support the transfer of new technologies and processes from R&D to manufacturing.
• Participate in process hazard analyses (PHAs) and risk assessments.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in a process engineering role, preferably within the polymer or chemical manufacturing industry.
• Understanding of polymer processing techniques (e.g., polymerization, extrusion, compounding).
• Familiarity with process simulation software is a plus.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good communication and teamwork abilities.
• Knowledge of safety procedures and environmental regulations in a manufacturing setting.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Experience with statistical process control (SPC) is advantageous.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for professional growth and skill development.
• Exposure to advanced polymer manufacturing technologies.
• A collaborative and safety-conscious work environment in Port Elizabeth.
• Hybrid work arrangement to balance office and remote work.