Senior Process Engineer - Polymerization

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Annual bonus

Medical insurance

Retirement fund

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Process Engineer for a leading polymer materials manufacturer in Randburg, Gauteng. The role blends hands-on engineering with problem-solving and project management to optimize polymerization processes.

You will work with R&D and production teams to scale up technologies, improve yields, and ensure safety and environmental standards are met in a hybrid work setup.

Qualifications

• 6+ years in process engineering with polymerization focus.
• Experience optimizing and scaling polymerization processes.
• Knowledge of polymer characterization and process variables.

Responsibilities

• Optimize polymerization processes for yield, quality and cost.
• Troubleshoot upsets and minimize downtime.
• Design experiments for process development and improvements.
• Collaborate on scale-up from lab to pilot and commercial scale.
• Develop process docs: PFDs, P&IDs, SOPs and safety guidelines.
• Conduct PHAs and ensure safety/environmental compliance.
• Monitor key KPIs and report findings to management.
• Mentor junior engineers and guide equipment selection.
• Participate in commissioning new process equipment.
• Stay current with polymer industry best practices.

Skills

Process engineering

Polymerization

Polymer characterization

Process simulation software

Statistical analysis tools

Reaction kinetics

Thermodynamics

Heat and mass transfer

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelors in Chemical Engineering or Polymer Science

Tools

Process simulation software

Statistical analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading manufacturer of advanced polymer materials, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Process Engineer to contribute to their state-of-the‑art facility in Randburg, Gauteng. This role is critical for optimizing and troubleshooting polymerization processes, ensuring high-quality product output and operational efficiency. You will work closely with R&D and production teams to implement process improvements, manage scale-up activities, and ensure adherence to safety and environmental standards. This position offers a blend of hands‑on engineering, problem‑solving, and project management within a dynamic and innovative industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Optimize existing polymerization processes to improve yield, product quality, and reduce operational costs.
• Troubleshoot process upsets and implement corrective actions to minimize downtime and maintain production schedules.
• Design and execute experiments for process development and improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with R&D on the scale-up of new polymerization technologies from laboratory to pilot and commercial scales.
• Develop and update process documentation, including PFDs, P&IDs, operating procedures, and safety guidelines.
• Conduct process hazard analyses (PHAs) and ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
• Monitor key process parameters and performance indicators, reporting findings and recommendations to management.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance on polymerization processes and equipment.
• Participate in the selection and commissioning of new process equipment.
• Stay informed about industry best practices and emerging technologies in polymer science and engineering.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or Polymer Science from an accredited institution.
• A minimum of 6 years of experience in process engineering, with a strong focus on polymerization processes (e.g., free radical, ionic, condensation).
• Proven experience in process optimization, troubleshooting, and scale-up.
• Knowledge of polymer characterization techniques and their correlation to process variables.
• Familiarity with process simulation software and statistical analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of chemical reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and heat/mass transfer in polymerization.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Experience working in a hybrid model, spending time both on-site in Randburg and potentially remotely for certain analytical tasks.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, annual bonus, comprehensive medical insurance, retirement fund, paid leave, and opportunities for continuous professional development.
• You will be part of an innovative company working on cutting‑edge polymer technologies and have the chance to shape the future of material science.
• Our client values work‑life balance and offers a supportive team environment.