Senior Polymerization Engineer — Remote-First R&D Leader

Placements24; Pretoria; Remote; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonus

Health insurance

Retirement savings plans

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Specialist Chemical Engineer with deep polymerization expertise to lead development and scale-up of advanced polymerization processes. You will optimize reactors, model kinetics, and implement control strategies while supporting global manufacturing teams.

The role emphasizes independent project leadership, data-driven decision making, and staying current with scientific literature.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or Polymer Science with a strong focus on polymerization.
• Minimum of 8 years of hands-on experience in polymerization process R&D, development, and scale-up.
• Proven expertise in polymerization techniques (e.g., free radical, anionic, cationic, condensation).
• Proficiency with process simulation software and kinetic modeling tools.
• Strong understanding of polymer reaction engineering, rheology, and material characterization.
• Ability to independently lead complex R&D projects.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities, including presentations.
• Experience with process safety assessments related to polymerization is a plus.
• Ability to work effectively in a remote-first environment based out of Centurion, Gauteng.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D of novel polymerization processes and catalysts.
• Optimize polymerization reactors for yield, quality, and efficiency.
• Conduct kinetic modeling and simulation of polymerization reactions.
• Develop and implement advanced process control strategies for polymerization units.
• Provide expert technical consultation to manufacturing sites globally.
• Analyze process data to identify trends and improve processes.
• Collaborate with R&D, process engineers, and manufacturing staff.
• Publish technical reports, patents, and papers.
• Ensure safety, health, and environmental compliance in designs.
• Stay updated with literature and industry trends.

Skills

Polymerization expertise

Rheology knowledge

Data-driven problem solving

Communication skills

Project leadership

Analytical thinking

Education

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or Polymer Science

Tools

Process simulation software

Kinetic modeling tools

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Specialist Chemical Engineer with deep polymerization expertise to lead development and scale-up of advanced polymerization processes. You will optimize reactors, model kinetics, and implement control strategies while supporting global manufacturing teams.

The role emphasizes independent project leadership, data-driven decision making, and staying current with scientific literature.