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We are seeking an innovative Polymer Engineer to spearhead the development and industrialisation of our next-generation polyester-based materials. In this role, you will transform cutting-edge polymer concepts into robust, scalable polycondensation processes, driving the transition from laboratory breakthroughs to full-scale manufacturing. Your work will directly shape the production of sustainable polymers designed for a circular economy, positioning our technology for global impact.
Location: Leipzig, Germany (onsite)
Key Responsibilities
* Develop and scale up polycondensation processes for our novel polyester-based plastics to enable production at a world-scale plant of over 100 kt/a.
* Build and refine end-to-end polycondensation processes (kg-scale batch and tonne-scale continuous), starting from the dosing of monomers and catalysts and the addition of processing aids (e.g. rheology modifiers and stabilisers), proceeding through several polymerisation stages, and finishing with the production of the final polymer pellet.
* Identify bottlenecks and technical challenges through lab-scale screening experiments. Overcome these and implement fixes to optimise the polycondensation procedure.
* Perform techno-economic assessments, process simulations, and mass and energy balance calculations in order to identify the ideal polycondensation process.
* You will work alongside seasoned polymer chemists and engineers, as well as training a team of technicians in the practical aspects of process engineering.
* Prepare technical reports and patent disclosures and contribute to peer-reviewed publications where appropriate.
* Ensure SHEQ and sustainability standards are met in all laboratory, pilot and production activities, with a focus on HAZOP analysis and process safety.
Your Profile
* Degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering or a related field (M.Sc. or higher) with experience in polycondensation processes.
* A minimum of two years industrial experience in polycondensation process development and upscaling from kg-lab to t-pilot scale to kt-commercial scale.
* A solid understanding of polymer science, particularly polyesters, including their material properties, manufacturing and processing technologies.
* Well-versed in HAZOP analysis, process simulation, techno-economic analysis, and mass and energy balancing.
* Excellent communication skills in English (written and spoken); German language skills are advantageous.
* You bring a hands-on mindset, structure your work efficiently, and collaborate seamlessly across disciplines – even under the dynamics of a fast-paced start-up environment.
Ready to apply? If you’re excited by the idea of shaping the future of sustainable materials and want to take on a high-impact role, we’d love to hear from you. Please send us your CV and a short motivation outlining why you’re the right fit for this position.