Lubrication Engineer

Introduction

Are you a specialist chemist or lubrication engineer with deep expertise in rolling oil management, lubricant analysis and process control within a metals or industrial manufacturing environment?

Hulamin, a leading aluminium rolling and manufacturing organisation based in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, is seeking a suitably qualified and experienced   Rolling Oil Specialist   to join its Chemical Laboratory department. This is a rare and exciting opportunity for a technically exceptional professional to take ownership of rolling oil performance, process control and lubrication optimisation across Hulamin's rolling operations — driving equipment reliability, operational efficiency and sustainability in a world-class manufacturing environment.

Please note: To be considered for this position, candidates must have demonstrated hands-on experience in all three of the following areas:

• Rolling oil management

• Process control

• Lubrication engineering

Applications that do not reflect experience across these three disciplines will not be considered.

Key Responsibilities

Rolling Oil Performance Management

• Develop and implement rolling oil management strategies across all rolling operations

• Establish lubricant performance standards, specifications and operating windows

• Monitor oil health, contamination and degradation trends

• Implement predictive monitoring systems to proactively prevent process disruptions

• Drive improvements in oil formulation to support equipment reliability and operational performance

Process Control Leadership

• Serve as the technical owner of rolling oil-related Process Control Variables (PCVs)

• Establish target operating ranges and control limits

• Monitor critical process parameters and identify deviations

• Develop Statistical Process Control (SPC) methodologies and capability analyses

• Implement early warning systems and corrective actions

• Integrate lubricant performance data with production performance metrics

Supplier and Technology Management

• Lead supplier qualification and performance management activities

• Evaluate and introduce new lubricant technologies

• Manage mill trials and change management processes

• Develop strategic partnerships with technology providers

• Identify alternative suppliers to mitigate supply risks

Quality, Compliance and Customer Support

• Ensure compliance with customer, regulatory and environmental requirements

• Maintain compliance systems for food contact, REACH, RoHS and related regulations

• Provide technical support to internal and external stakeholders

• Support audits and customer technical enquiries

Continuous Improvement and Sustainability

• Lead lubrication optimisation projects

• Improve oil recovery and recycling initiatives

• Reduce lubricant consumption and operational costs

• Support environmental sustainability objectives

• Drive data-driven decision making across operations

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum qualification:   BSc Honours in Chemistry   – MSc or PhD in Chemistry will be a strong advantage

• Specialisation in Lubrication Engineering or Organic Chemistry preferred

• Skills in metal rolling or rolling tribology advantageous

• Minimum   10 years' process manufacturing experience; metal rolling experience preferred

• Expert knowledge of rolling oil analytical testing techniques including   FTIR, GC, Gum Tester   and Surface Evolution analysis

• Proficiency in analytical tools including   Minitab, SPC   and structured problem-solving methodologies (5Why, DMAIC, Fault Tree)

• Industry background in   Metal Working Fluids, Petroleum or Oil Refineries

• Previous experience as a   Tribologist or Coolant Specialist   preferred

• Excellent people skills with the ability to interact with a diverse, multi-skilled team

What We Are Looking For

A technically exceptional and analytically driven chemistry specialist who combines deep expertise in rolling oil management and lubricant analysis with strong process control capability, supplier management experience and a passion for continuous improvement and sustainability in a high-performance aluminium manufacturing environment.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to click on the apply link and submit an updated CV. Only applications submitted via PNet will be considered.

Hulamin is committed to prioritising transformation in line with diversity, inclusion and all legislative requirements in its recruitment and appointment processes.

Please note that Hulamin reserves the right to withdraw, alter and re-advertise any vacant position based on its operational requirements.

Should you not hear from us within   1 month   of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful and accept our thanks for applying.