JobScout Pty Ltd are working to assist our client, Recycling Plastics Australia Pty Ltd, a leading Australian plastic recycling company. Recycling Plastics Australia (RPA) specialises in producing high-purity, 100% recycled plastic products using the most advanced recycling equipment in the country. With a production capacity of up to 40,000 tonnes annually, RPA sorts all raw materials by type and colour before processing, ensuring its recycled output meets or exceeds the quality of virgin plastic materials. The company supplies tailored recycled plastic products to clients across packaging and manufacturing industries and is committed to driving sustainability in the Australian plastics sector. Our client is now seeking a qualified Chemical Engineer to join their team. The role is full-time and ongoing, based at their recycling facility. Responsibilities of our Chemical Engineer will include: ·Prepare designs for chemical process systems and plan control systems for processes used to remove contaminants, separate plastic components by polymer type and colour grade, effect chemical and physical changes during extrusion and compounding, and control the storing and handling of raw and processed plastic materials within the recycling facility. ·Assess and classify incoming raw plastic waste streams (including PET, HDPE, LDPE, and PP) to determine optimal processing parameters, and plan control systems for processes used to remove impurities and separate components prior to recycling. ·Monitor the operation and maintenance of recycling plant equipment — including wash lines, shredders, extruders, and pelletisers — to achieve maximum efficiency under safe operating conditions. ·Ensure correct materials, chemical additives, stabilisers, colourants, and equipment are used throughout the recycling process and that they conform to required specifications and quality standards. ·Diagnose malfunctions in the recycling plant's chemical processing equipment (including extruders, wash lines, and pelletisers) and institute remedial action to restore safe and efficient operations. ·Study product utilisation and pollution control matters related to plastic recycling operations and stay informed of regulatory developments including minimum recycled content legislation, to support continuous improvement and environmental compliance. ·Plan and implement laboratory operations to develop new recycled plastic formulations, blends, and fabrication procedures — including 100% recycled packaging-grade materials — to fulfil production cost and performance standards that meet or exceed virgin plastic quality. ·Confer with producers and suppliers of polymer materials during the investigation and evaluation of recycled plastic resins suitable for specific client product applications, including tailored packaging solutions. ·Conduct laboratory testing and quality control analysis on recycled plastic resins and pellets, review product failure data, implement laboratory tests to establish or reject possible causes of quality issues, and advise on ways to overcome any identified problems. ·Conduct factory trials and scale-up testing to validate new recycled plastic formulations and processing parameters before committing to full production runs. ·Optimise chemical process parameters — including temperature, pressure, flow rates, and additive ratios — during extrusion and compounding operations to increase production throughput, reduce waste, and lower energy consumption. ·Ensure all recycling processes and plant operations comply with relevant Australian environmental regulations, workplace health and safety (WHS) legislation, and industry best practices. ·Prepare and maintain technical documentation including process flow diagrams, standard operating procedures (SOPs), batch production records, and technical reports for management on process improvements and new product development opportunities. To be successfully considered for the role, you: Possess a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering(essential). Have at least 1 year of relevant post-qualification experience in chemical engineering, preferably within plastics recycling, polymer processing, or manufacturing environments. Have strong knowledge of polymer chemistry, plastic extrusion processes, and material characterisation techniques. Have experience with quality control testing methods and laboratory analysis of plastic materials. Demonstrate familiarity with Australian environmental regulations and workplace health and safety (WHS) legislation. Possess strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. Are able to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team. Are comfortable working in a factory/plant environment with adherence to safety protocols. Are you a qualified Chemical Engineer looking for a rewarding role in Australia's growing recycling industry? Do you have a passion for sustainability and polymer processing? Can you drive process improvements in a fast-paced production environment? Do you have experience with extrusion, compounding, or plastic recycling operations? You must have unrestricted Australian working rights to be considered. Interested? This is an ideal opportunity for a Chemical Engineer seeking a hands-on and impactful role in one of Australia's largest and most advanced plastic recycling operations. In addition to a competitive salary, there are excellent conditions, ongoing training, and career development opportunities awaiting the successful applicant. Applications: Please respond to the recruiters through the site and ensure you attach an updated resume. JobScout Pty Ltd are grateful for all applications, but kindly note that they will only respond to shortlisted applicants. JobScout Pty Ltd – recruitment excellence.
