Senior Chemical Engineer - Polymerization

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus opportunities

Healthcare

Retirement plan

Professional development

Relocation assistance

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch, South Africa, seeks a Senior Chemical Engineer with polymerization expertise to lead the design, development, and scale-up of polymerization processes for high-performance polymers. You will drive process efficiency, safety, and environmental standards while mentoring junior engineers.

The role requires 10+ years in chemical process engineering with a focus on polymerization, collaboration with R&D, manufacturing, and QA, and a Master’s or Ph.D.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering with a strong focus on polymer science and engineering.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in chemical process engineering, with at least 6 years focused on polymerization processes.
• In-depth knowledge of various polymerization techniques (e.g., free radical, ionic, condensation) and associated kinetics.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and scale-up of polymerization processes for new and existing polymer products.
• Optimize reaction conditions, catalyst systems, and monomer feeds to achieve desired polymer properties, yield, and throughput.
• Utilize advanced process modeling and simulation tools to predict and analyze polymerization behavior.
• Conduct pilot plant trials and analyze data to ensure successful transition to commercial-scale production.
• Develop detailed process documentation, including P&IDs, operating procedures, and safety protocols specific to polymerization.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical challenges related to polymerization reactions and downstream processing.
• Ensure strict adherence to safety, health, and environmental (SHE) regulations, particularly those relevant to polymer manufacturing.
• Collaborate with R&D chemists to understand reaction mechanisms and scale-up parameters.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers and technical staff.
• Implement advanced process control strategies to ensure consistent product quality and process stability.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in polymerization technologies and materials science.

Skills

Polymer chemistry

Reaction kinetics

Process control

Scale-up

Leadership

Mentorship

Data analysis

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process simulation software

Statistical analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned innovator in advanced materials and polymer science, is seeking a Senior Chemical Engineer with specialized expertise in polymerization processes to join their team in Stellenbosch, Western Cape . This senior role involves leading the design, development, optimization, and scale-up of complex polymerization reactions and processes for the production of high-performance polymers. You will be instrumental in driving innovation, enhancing process efficiency, ensuring product quality, and maintaining the highest safety and environmental standards. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of polymer chemistry, reaction kinetics, process control, and scale-up principles, combined with strong analytical, problem-solving, and leadership skills. This is a critical role requiring extensive experience and the ability to mentor junior engineers. You will collaborate extensively with R&D, manufacturing, and quality assurance teams to bring new polymer products to market and continuously improve existing processes. The position offers a stimulating work environment and significant career development opportunities in the vibrant region of Stellenbosch, Western Cape .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and scale-up of polymerization processes for new and existing polymer products.
• Optimize reaction conditions, catalyst systems, and monomer feeds to achieve desired polymer properties, yield, and throughput.
• Utilize advanced process modeling and simulation tools to predict and analyze polymerization behavior.
• Conduct pilot plant trials and analyze data to ensure successful transition to commercial-scale production.
• Develop detailed process documentation, including P&IDs, operating procedures, and safety protocols specific to polymerization.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical challenges related to polymerization reactions and downstream processing.
• Ensure strict adherence to safety, health, and environmental (SHE) regulations, particularly those relevant to polymer manufacturing.
• Collaborate with R&D chemists to understand reaction mechanisms and scale-up parameters.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers and technical staff.
• Implement advanced process control strategies to ensure consistent product quality and process stability.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in polymerization technologies and materials science.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering with a strong focus on polymer science and engineering.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in chemical process engineering, with at least 6 years focused on polymerization processes.
• In-depth knowledge of various polymerization techniques (e.g., free radical, ionic, condensation) and associated kinetics.
• Proven experience in scaling up polymerization processes from lab to pilot to commercial scale.
• Proficiency in process simulation software and advanced statistical analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of polymer characterization techniques and their relation to process parameters.
• Experience with process safety management (PSM) and hazard analysis for reactive chemical systems.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong leadership, project management, and communication abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Familiarity with polymer processing (extrusion, molding) is a plus.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and substantial performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Premium healthcare, retirement, and life insurance coverage.
• Extensive professional development, training programs, and conference participation budget.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays.
• Opportunities for leadership roles and advanced technical contributions.
• Relocation assistance for candidates relocating to the Stellenbosch, Western Cape area.
• Access to cutting-edge polymer research facilities and innovative projects.