Senior Chemical Engineer - Polymerization Processes

Placements24; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical and retirement benefits

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Chemical Engineer in Pretoria, Gauteng to lead polymerization process development and scale-up in a high-performance polymer environment.

The role requires 6+ years of hands-on chemical engineering experience in polymerization, reactor design, and process safety. You will collaborate with R&D and operations to optimize yield, cost, and quality while ensuring environmental compliance.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering with a polymers focus.
• Minimum 6 years hands-on experience in polymerization processes.
• Strong knowledge of polymer reaction mechanisms and kinetics.
• Experience with reactor design and process safety (PSM/HAZOP).

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot industrial-scale polymerization processes.
• Design and specify polymerization reactors and related systems.
• Perform process modeling and simulations to improve kinetics and properties.
• Lead pilot plant trials and scale-up for new products.
• Collaborate with R&D to translate lab findings to production.
• Analyze data to identify yield, cost, and quality improvements.
• Ensure compliance with safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Support manufacturing and contribute to operator training.
• Evaluate new technologies to enhance processes.

Skills

Polymerization expertise

Process modeling

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Education

Master's degree in Chemical Engineering

PhD in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process simulation software

Polymer modeling tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading producer of advanced polymer materials, is seeking a dedicated Senior Chemical Engineer with specialized expertise in polymerization processes to join their innovative team in Pretoria, Gauteng . This role is central to the development, optimization, and troubleshooting of polymerization reactors and associated downstream processes. You will be involved in scaling up new polymer formulations, enhancing existing production lines for efficiency and quality, and ensuring operational safety and environmental compliance. The ideal candidate will possess a strong theoretical understanding of polymer chemistry and kinetics, combined with practical experience in reactor design and operation. This is a hands‑on position requiring significant interaction with plant operations and laboratory research. Your expertise will be crucial in maintaining our client's leadership in the high-performance polymer market. The position is based full-time at our state‑of-the-art facility in Pretoria, Gauteng .

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot industrial-scale polymerization processes (e.g., emulsion, suspension, solution polymerization).
• Design and specify polymerization reactors, including agitation, heat transfer, and feed systems.
• Perform process modeling and simulations to predict and improve polymer properties and reaction kinetics.
• Lead pilot plant trials and scale‑up efforts for new polymer products and processes.
• Collaborate with R&D chemists and engineers to translate laboratory findings into commercially viable processes.
• Analyze process data to identify opportunities for yield improvement, cost reduction, and quality enhancement.
• Ensure all processes comply with stringent safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Provide technical support to the manufacturing team and contribute to operator training.
• Evaluate and implement new technologies to enhance polymerization processes.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering with a specialization in polymers or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of hands‑on experience in chemical engineering, specifically focused on polymerization processes.
• In‑depth knowledge of polymer reaction mechanisms, kinetics, and thermodynamics.
• Experience with process simulation software and polymer modeling tools.
• Familiarity with process safety management (PSM) and HAZOP studies.
• Proven ability to manage pilot plant operations and scale‑up projects.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Experience with polymer characterization techniques is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, comprehensive medical and dental insurance, a lucrative performance bonus scheme, and a robust retirement fund.
• We provide excellent opportunities for professional development, attending industry conferences, and career progression within a growing organization.

Join our innovative team in Pretoria, Gauteng and contribute to the advancement of polymer science and technology.