Process Operations Engineer (Plant Operations | Shift Operations | Process Optimisation)

PrimeStaff Management Services; Singapore; On-site; SGD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

PrimeStaff Management Services is seeking a Process Operations Engineer to join a pilot-scale facility focused on developing and scaling advanced electrochemical processes for sustainable applications. You will operate, monitor, and maintain 24/7 plant operations, bridging lab research with pilot and demonstration-scale deployment.

The role offers cross-functional collaboration with process, mechanical, electrical, analytical, and R&D teams, opportunities to improve yield, energy efficiency, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience in chemical/process plant operation, troubleshooting, commissioning, or related environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work in the field and operate process equipment safely.
• Strong understanding of fluid flow, heat and mass transfer, and process control.

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, and maintain pilot-scale and demonstration plants as part of a 24/7 rotating shift.
• Perform routine field rounds, inspections, sampling, chemical handling, and operational checks.
• Startup, shutdown, isolation, and equipment changeover per SOPs and safety requirements.
• Monitor process parameters, alarms, and logs; maintain shift handover records.
• Troubleshoot process and equipment problems and implement corrective actions with engineering teams.
• Contribute to RCA, failure mode analysis, and investigations of recurring issues.

Skills

Plant operations

Troubleshooting

Process optimization

Safety compliance

Cross-functional teamwork

Field engineering

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

SCADA systems

PFDs & P&IDs reading

Instrumentation

Data logging

Job description

Our client is a growth-stage climate technology company developing advanced solutions to support global decarbonisation efforts. The organisation is focused on translating innovative technology into commercially scalable solutions for industrial and environmental applications. Following successful technology development and early-stage validation, the company is progressing into its next phase of growth, with increasing emphasis on product industrialisation, engineering readiness, manufacturing capability, operational scalability, and supply-chain development. As part of this transition, the organisation is strengthening its technical and operational capabilities to support the progression from prototype and demonstration‑stage systems towards larger‑scale commercial deployment. The company is currently undertaking further system validation and scale‑up activities in the region, with a focus on improving performance, reliability, manufacturability, and overall readiness for future commercial implementation.

Position: Process Operations Engineer

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are looking for an experienced process operations engineer to join a multi-disciplinary team working on an emerging industrial technology with significant climate impact. The successful candidate will be part of a pilot‑scale facility focused on developing and scaling advanced electrochemical processes for sustainable applications, including electrolysis‑based systems and related process technologies. The role requires a professional who brings hands‑on expertise in plant operations, process troubleshooting, optimisation, and engineering to advance the mission of deploying real‑world solutions. The Engineer will be pivotal in bridging laboratory‑scale research with pilot and demonstration‑scale process engineering and operations, contributing directly to the commercialisation of a novel technology.

WHAT MAKES THIS ROLE UNIQUE:

• Hands‑On Plant Operations: You will operate, monitor, and maintain a pilot‑scale facility as part of a 24/7 rotating shift operation
• First‑of‑a‑Kind Technology: You will be working on a novel electrochemical process at demonstration scale, contributing directly to its commercialisation
• Scale‑Up Exposure: You will bridge laboratory‑scale research with pilot and demonstration‑scale operations, gaining valuable experience in scaling emerging technologies
• Cross‑Functional Environment: You will work alongside engineers, scientists, and operations teams across process, mechanical, electrical, and analytical disciplines
• Real‑World Impact: You will contribute directly to decarbonisation and energy security objectives through hands‑on operational work

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Operate, monitor, and maintain pilot‑scale and demonstration chemical process plants as part of a 24/7 rotating shift operation, including day and night shifts
• Conduct routine field rounds, equipment inspections, process sampling, chemical handling, and operational checks
• Perform plant startup, shutdown, isolation, equipment changeover, and other operating procedures in accordance with approved SOPs and safety requirements
• Monitor process parameters, alarms, equipment condition, and production performance; maintain accurate operating logs and shift handover records
• Respond to process upsets, equipment failures, alarms, and off‑spec conditions and take appropriate first‑line corrective actions
• Troubleshoot process and equipment problems systematically and work with engineering and maintenance teams to identify root causes and implement corrective actions
• Conduct or support root cause analysis (RCA), failure mode analysis, and investigations of recurring process or equipment issues
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve process yield, energy efficiency, reliability, safety, and operating cost
• Analyse plant operating data and use field observations to identify process improvement opportunities
• Support the development, review, and update of process engineering documentation, including PFDs, P&IDs, SOPs, equipment specifications, and HAZOP documentation
• Support scale‑up activities by translating R&D findings and plant operating experience into process design requirements and engineering specifications
• Work closely with process, mechanical, electrical, analytical, and research teams to integrate plant data and measurements into process development and optimisation
• Support the design, procurement, commissioning, startup, and qualification of new process equipment

Safety & Compliance

• Operate the plant in accordance with applicable WSH, EHS, environmental, chemical handling, and operational requirements
• Support safe chemical inventory management, chemical storage, waste collection, and waste handling
• Participate in risk assessments, HAZOPs, toolbox meetings, incident investigations, and other safety activities

Training & Documentation

• Support development and delivery of operator training and ensure adherence to approved operating procedures
• Prepare operating data, technical reports, progress updates, and recommendations for project stakeholders
• Support commissioning, FAT/SAT, equipment troubleshooting, and site acceptance activities
• Visit equipment manufacturers, suppliers, and project sites, including national and international travel when required

REQUIREMENTS :

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline, or equivalent practical experience
• 3+ years of hands‑on experience in chemical/process plant operation, process troubleshooting, commissioning, process development, or a related industrial environment
• Demonstrated ability to work directly in the field and operate process equipment safely
• Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals, including fluid flow, heat and mass transfer, chemical processes, pumps, valves, instrumentation, and process control
• Experience with systematic troubleshooting, RCA, and process optimisation
• Ability to read and interpret PFDs, P&IDs, equipment drawings, and operating procedures
• Familiarity with WSH/EHS requirements and safe handling of industrial chemicals
• Ability to work effectively with engineering, maintenance, R&D, analytical, and operations teams
• Willingness and ability to work a rotating 24/7 shift schedule, including nights, weekends, and public holidays
• Ability to perform field work and lift/carry equipment or materials up to 50 lb (23 kg), where required
• Willingness to travel for commissioning, equipment inspection, troubleshooting, and supplier/manufacturer visits

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating pilot plants, demonstration plants, chemical plants, electrolyzers, water/wastewater treatment systems, or other process equipment
• Experience with process instrumentation, PLC/SCADA systems, data acquisition, or process control
• Experience with commissioning and startup of new equipment or process systems
• Experience developing SOPs, operating procedures, and troubleshooting guides
• Experience participating in HAZOP, JSA/RA, MOC, or other process safety activities
• Experience working in a startup, R&D, pilot plant, or technology development environment
• Familiarity with chemical inventory and waste management requirements

Beneficial Assets

• Experience with electrochemical processes
• Experience with process simulation (e.g., Aspen Plus)
• Strong chemistry knowledge
• Passion for climate technology

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.