Senior Process Engineer - Polymerization

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement plan

Generous PTO

Remote work

Professional development

Robust digital collaboration tools

Innovative polymer technology exposure

Supportive culture

Job summary

Placements24 invites an experienced Senior Process Engineer specializing in polymerization to join their distributed engineering team. This fully remote role allows you to design, optimize and troubleshoot polymerization processes from your home office, driving efficiency, product quality and safety.

You will work across R&D, manufacturing and QA, developing PFDs/P&IDs, selecting reactors and conducting PHAs.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree required with strong polymer engineering background.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in process engineering focusing on polymerization.
• Experience with safety and risk assessments in chemical plants.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize polymerization processes for diverse polymers.
• Run process simulations to predict performance and identify improvements.
• Specify reactors, extruders, and processing equipment.
• Troubleshoot upsets; implement corrective actions to improve yield and quality.
• Develop PFDs and P&IDs and equipment specs.
• Lead and participate in PHAs and risk assessments.
• Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, and QA in remote setting.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards.

Skills

Polymerization

Process Simulation

PHAs

HAZOP

Remote collaboration

Education

Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering or Polymer Science

Tools

gProms

Aspen Plus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent innovator in advanced polymer materials, is seeking an experienced Senior Process Engineer specializing in polymerization to join their distributed engineering team. This is a fully remote position, offering the unique advantage of contributing to cutting-edge polymer development and manufacturing from your home office. You will be responsible for the design, optimization, and troubleshooting of polymerization processes, driving efficiency, product quality, and safety. This role demands a deep technical understanding of polymerization kinetics, reactor design, and separation techniques, along with a proven ability to collaborate effectively in a virtual environment. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver passionate about materials science and sustainable chemical manufacturing. Join a globally recognized company that invests in its remote workforce and offers opportunities to shape the future of polymer technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize polymerization processes for various polymer types.
• Conduct process simulations and modeling to predict performance and identify optimization opportunities.
• Specify and select polymerization reactors, extruders, and related processing equipment.
• Troubleshoot process upsets, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions to improve yield, quality, and efficiency.
• Develop and maintain Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), and equipment specifications.
• Lead and participate in Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs) and risk assessments for polymerization processes.
• Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, and quality control teams to ensure seamless technology transfer and continuous improvement.
• Ensure all processes comply with stringent safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical support to production teams.
• Stay current with advancements in polymerization technology and process engineering practices.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Chemical Engineering or Polymer Science.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in process engineering, with a strong focus on polymerization processes.
• In-depth knowledge of various polymerization techniques (e.g., free radical, anionic, cationic, condensation).
• Proven experience with process simulation software relevant to polymerization (e.g., gProms, Aspen Plus).
• Strong understanding of polymer rheology, reaction kinetics, and material properties.
• Experience with Process Safety Management (PSM) and HAZOP studies.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for remote collaboration.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a remote setting.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety and sustainability.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and potential for performance bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Retirement savings plan with generous employer contributions.
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.
• Professional development opportunities, including conferences and training.
• A fully remote work arrangement with robust digital collaboration tools.
• Exposure to innovative polymer science and advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Supportive and forward-thinking company culture.