Senior Chemical Engineer - Polymer Production

Placements24; Randburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical benefits

Performance bonuses

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Chemical Engineer to lead design, optimization and troubleshooting of polymer manufacturing processes at our Randburg, Gauteng facility. The role focuses on process design, debottlenecking, safety and quality, with hands-on leadership in a busy industrial setting.

You will mentor junior engineers, run simulations, develop P&IDs and ensure compliance with ISO 9001 and PS M practices, contributing to cost reduction and product quality improvements through

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• 7+ years of experience in process engineering with a focus on polymer production.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, modification, and optimization of chemical processes for polymer manufacturing.
• Conduct process simulations, mass and energy balances, and P&ID development.
• Troubleshoot operational issues, identify root causes, and implement solutions to improve yield and efficiency.
• Oversee commissioning and start-up of new equipment and process modifications.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental standards, and quality control procedures.
• Collaborate with R&D, production, and maintenance teams on product development and operational excellence.
• Develop and implement process improvement projects to reduce costs and enhance product quality.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance to operations.
• Prepare technical reports, project documentation, and operational manuals.

Skills

Process design

Polymer production

Troubleshooting

P&ID development

Process optimization

Project management

Mentoring juniors

Cross-functional collaboration

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

Knovel

Process simulation tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading manufacturer of high-performance polymers, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Chemical Engineer to join their established team in Randburg, Gauteng. This role is critical for overseeing and optimizing the complex processes involved in polymer production. The successful candidate will be responsible for process design, troubleshooting, debottlenecking, and ensuring the highest standards of safety and quality are met. This is an excellent opportunity to leverage your expertise in polymer chemistry and process engineering within a dynamic and innovative manufacturing environment. The position requires a dedicated individual to be based full-time at our Randburg, Gauteng facility, contributing directly to the efficiency and success of our polymer production lines. You will be a key member of the engineering department, driving continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, modification, and optimization of chemical processes for polymer manufacturing.
• Conduct detailed process simulations, mass and energy balances, and P&ID development.
• Troubleshoot operational issues, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions to improve yield and efficiency.
• Oversee the commissioning and start-up of new equipment and process modifications.
• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations, environmental standards, and quality control procedures.
• Collaborate with R&D, production, and maintenance teams to support product development and operational excellence.
• Develop and implement process improvement projects to reduce costs and enhance product quality.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance to the operations team.
• Prepare technical reports, project documentation, and operational manuals.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in process engineering, with a significant focus on polymer production or related industries.
• Strong understanding of polymerization kinetics, reactor design, and separation processes relevant to polymers.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, Knovel) and data analysis tools.
• Experience with process safety management (PSM) and hazard analysis techniques.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Hands-on experience in a manufacturing environment is essential.
• Knowledge of quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001) is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical and retirement benefits, performance bonuses, and significant opportunities for professional growth and development.
• The role is based in Randburg, Gauteng, offering a stimulating work environment within a key industrial hub.
• Enjoy a collaborative culture focused on innovation and excellence in polymer manufacturing.
• We are committed to providing a safe and rewarding career path for our engineers.