Production Engineer - Sugar Mill

Tully Sugar; Cassowary Coast Regional; On-site; AUD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Tully Sugar Limited is seeking an experienced Production Engineer to support the safe, efficient and high-performing operation of our raw sugar manufacturing process.

Reporting to the Production Manager, you'll focus on process performance, production optimisation, operational discipline and continuous improvement across the crushing season. This hands-on role suits a Chemical Engineer with mill experience and the ability to turn technical knowledge into practical improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or equivalent.
• 5+ years of experience in sugar mill/processing operations preferred.
• Proven ability to analyse issues, troubleshoot and implement solutions.
• Strong written and verbal communication with operators, engineers and managers.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Monitor, analyse and improve process performance, production efficiency and factory throughput.
• Support safe, efficient operation of the raw sugar manufacturing process from boilers to crystallisation and sugar quality.
• Use data to identify issues and drive improvements for better decision-making.
• Develop and implement operational improvement initiatives and projects.
• Prepare clear technical reports, procedures and work instructions.

Skills

Sugar mill operations

Process optimization

Data analysis

Microsoft Office

Report writing

Communication skills

Education

Chemical Engineering degree

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Production Engineer – Sugar Mill

Sugar mill experience essential | North Queensland | Full-time, Permanent | Relocation assistance available

• A hands-on Chemical Engineering role with genuine influence over production performance across the crushing season.
• Work alongside operations, engineering, laboratory and management teams at a large, technically advanced raw sugar mill.
• Enjoy a tropical North Queensland lifestyle between Townsville and Cairns, near World Heritage rainforest and Mission Beach — with relocation assistance available.

About the opportunity

Tully Sugar Limited is seeking an experienced Production Engineer to support the safe, efficient and high-performing operation of our raw sugar manufacturing process.

Reporting to the Production Manager, you'll focus on process performance, production optimisation, operational discipline and continuous improvement across the crushing season. Working closely with our operations and engineering teams, you'll help drive production KPIs, apply best-practice process control, refine operating strategies, and support consistent, high-quality manufacturing performance.

This is a hands-on role suited to a Chemical Engineer with proven sugar mill experience and the ability to turn technical knowledge into practical, on-the-ground operational improvements.

About Tully Sugar

Tully Sugar Limited is a subsidiary of COFCO Corporation, a Fortune Global 500 company and one of the world's largest food and agribusiness organisations.

Based in North Queensland, we own and operate a highly efficient raw sugar mill producing quality raw sugar and renewable energy. Depending on seasonal conditions, the mill processes more than 2.4 million tonnes of cane annually, producing approximately 300,000 tonnes of sugar.

What you'll be doing

• Monitor, analyse and improve process performance, production efficiency and factory throughput.
• Support best-practice operation of the raw sugar manufacturing process, from boilers and mills through to clarification, evaporation, crystallisation, centrifugal performance, molasses management and sugar quality.
• Use production data, trends and operating information to identify issues, recommend improvements and support better decision-making.
• Drive superior operating strategies across all key production areas.
• Troubleshoot complex process and production issues and deliver practical, timely solutions.
• Contribute to improved process control, operating discipline and consistency across shift teams.
• Support the development and rollout of operational improvement initiatives and production-focused projects.
• Prepare clear, accurate technical reports, procedures, work instructions and operational communication.
• Work collaboratively with operations, engineering, laboratory and management teams to achieve production, safety, environmental and quality objectives.
• Take responsibility for environmental compliance under the site licence.
• Promote safe, compliant and sustainable production practices.

About you

• A degree in Chemical Engineering.
• A minimum of five years' experience in sugar mill operations or processing operations an advantage.
• Demonstrated understanding of raw sugar manufacturing processes and sugar mill operations.
• Proven ability to analyse issues, troubleshoot effectively and solve complex process and production problems.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with operators, supervisors, engineers and managers.
• Demonstrated ability to produce clear, accurate and professional written reports, technical documentation, procedures and operational communication.
• Demonstrated ability to apply workplace health, safety, environmental and quality requirements in a production environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

What we offer

• Competitive salary package plus superannuation, reviewed annually.
• Relocation assistance available for the right candidate.
• The opportunity to work in a large, complex and technically challenging raw sugar manufacturing environment.
• A role with genuine influence over production performance, process control and operational improvement.
• Career development opportunities within an established agribusiness operation.
• A workplace committed to safety, sustainability, operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Our location

Tully is located between Townsville and Cairns, surrounded by World Heritage-listed rainforest, the Cassowary Coast and nearby Mission Beach.

The Tully and Mission Beach region offers excellent schools, healthcare services, sporting facilities, shopping, and an enviable tropical lifestyle.

Safe work environment

Safety is a core value at Tully Sugar Limited. All employees are expected to comply with the Company's safety policies and procedures. As part of our commitment to a safe workplace, successful applicants will be required to participate in our Fitness for Duty Program, including pre-employment drug and alcohol testing.

Tully Sugar Limited is an equal opportunity employer.