Senior Polymer Process Engineer - Scale & Optimize

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Polymer training courses

Industry conferences

Performance bonuses

Career advancement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Chemical Process Engineer in Sandton to optimize polymerization processes and drive continuous improvements. You will troubleshoot upsets, lead pilot trials, and scale up new polymer grades with a focus on safety and quality.

You will collaborate with R&D, QA, and production to document processes and enhance yields, applying strong polymer science knowledge and data-driven approaches in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, with polymer specialization or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in chemical/process engineering, preferably in polymer manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of polymerization kinetics, reaction engineering, and processing techniques.
• Experience with process simulation software and statistical analysis tools.
• Knowledge of process safety and environmental compliance in chemical manufacturing.
• Excellent communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Optimize polymerization processes to improve yield, efficiency, and quality.
• Troubleshoot process upsets and implement corrective actions to reduce downtime.
• Conduct process studies, pilot trials, and scale‑up activities for new grades and modifications.
• Develop and maintain process documentation (PFDs, P&IDs, procedures, material/energy balances).
• Ensure SHE compliance and safe operating conditions.
• Collaborate with R&D to evaluate new technologies and process improvements.
• Support production with technical expertise and cross‑training.
• Participate in PHAs and safety reviews.
• Monitor process performance using SPC techniques.
• Stay informed on polymer science and processing trends.

Skills

Polymer science knowledge

Process optimization

Analytical reasoning

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process simulation software

Statistical analysis tools

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Chemical Process Engineer in Sandton to optimize polymerization processes and drive continuous improvements. You will troubleshoot upsets, lead pilot trials, and scale up new polymer grades with a focus on safety and quality.

You will collaborate with R&D, QA, and production to document processes and enhance yields, applying strong polymer science knowledge and data-driven approaches in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.