Production Engineer

Boardroom Appointments; Durban; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking a Chemical Engineer with a BTech or BSc in Chemical Engineering and 3 - 5 years of experience in a Chemical or Manufacturing environment, specifically with Polymers. The role involves optimising production processes, coaching plant personnel, and applying process control technologies. Ideal candidates are results-driven with strong problem-solving skills and a deep understanding of safety protocols. Located in Durban, this position offers an opportunity to contribute significantly to production performance and best practices.

Qualifications

• 3 - 5 years of experience in a Chemical or Manufacturing Environment (Polymer).
• Results-driven with excellent execution management.
• Agile, growth-oriented mindset for problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Optimise operations to achieve production, cost, and quality targets.
• Coach plant personnel on solving operational problems.
• Apply SPC Technology and Process Control for asset utilisation.

Skills

Knowledge of Polymers or Petrochemicals

Operational discipline expertise

Problem-solving ability

Strong accountability

Technical proficiency in safety

Education

BTech / BSc in Chemical Engineering

Matric (Grade 12)

Job description

Matric (Grade 12) with BTech / BSc in Chemical Engineering

3 - 5 Years in a Chemical / Manufacturing Environment (Polymer)

Main Responsibilities

• Understand the process technologies, equipment, and control technologies. Work in the plant to optimise operations and achieve production, cost, and quality targets.
• Coach plant personnel in solving technical operational problems; support or manage process-based fault analyses.
• Introduce best practices into plant operations to optimise performance and ensure that the Most Effective Technology (MET) is applied.
• Collaborate with other Production Engineers within the business to enhance plant knowledge and performance.
• Support Improvement Teams and work with Expertise Centres to solve problems (e.g., collaborate with Reliability Engineers on reliability issues).
• Work with Production Data Analysts to identify permanent process changes and update standards for the Diamond System.
• Record improvement suggestions using flexi log and SAP.
• Apply SPC Technology and Process Control to maximise Asset Utilisation and produce low-cost, high-value products.
• Update operating instructions in line with areas of specialisation, in coordination with Operations.
• Apply MET and Asset Utilisation Principles consistently.

Minimum Critical Requirements

• In-depth knowledge and experience in Polymers or Petrochemicals.
• Expertise in operational discipline.
• Strong accountability and responsibility for performance and processes.
• Innovative, process-driven, and proficient in systems thinking.
• Results-driven with excellent execution management.
• Technical proficiency in all safety-related areas.
• Agile, growth-oriented mindset with strong problem-solving ability.
• Ability to identify, analyse, and solve complex production, equipment, and process issues.