Specialist Chemical Engineer - Polymerization

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

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in advanced materials, is seeking an exceptional Specialist Chemical Engineer with deep expertise in polymerization processes. This role is critical for driving innovation and technical excellence in the development and production of high-performance polymers.

The position is based in Centurion, Gauteng , but the nature of the work allows for significant remote engagement, fostering a flexible work environment.

You will be responsible for pioneering new polymerization technologies, optimizing existing reactor designs, and providing expert technical support across multiple projects. This is an unparalleled opportunity to work at the cutting edge of polymer science and contribute to the development of next-generation materials.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the research and development of novel polymerization processes and catalysts.
• Optimize existing polymerization reactors (e.g., batch, continuous stirred-tank, plug flow) for improved yield, quality, and efficiency.
• Conduct detailed kinetic modeling and simulation of polymerization reactions.
• Develop and implement advanced process control strategies for polymerization units.
• Provide expert technical consultation on polymerization challenges to manufacturing sites globally.
• Analyze process data to identify trends, troubleshoot issues, and recommend improvements.
• Collaborate with R&D scientists, process engineers, and manufacturing personnel.
• Author technical reports, patents, and peer-reviewed publications.
• Ensure process designs comply with all relevant safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Stay current with scientific literature and industry trends in polymerization science and technology.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or a related discipline with a strong focus on polymerization.
• Minimum of 8 years of hands-on experience in polymerization process research, development, and scale-up.
• Proven expertise in various 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.
• Demonstrated 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 presentation skills.
• Experience with process safety assessments related to polymerization reactions is a plus.
• The ability to work effectively in a remote-first collaborative environment based out of Centurion, Gauteng .

Benefits

• Our client offers an attractive salary and benefits package, including a generous performance bonus, comprehensive health insurance, and retirement savings plans.

This role provides significant autonomy and the opportunity to shape the future of polymer technology.

The remote flexibility associated with this position, supporting our Centurion, Gauteng operations, allows for an excellent work-life balance. Embrace a career where innovation and scientific rigor are paramount.