Graduate Process Engineer

Elchemie Recruitment; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Graduate Process Engineer in Gauteng for a permanent role. The ideal candidate will have a BEng in Process or Chemical Engineering, with 0-3 years of experience in water treatment or related fields. Responsibilities include assisting in process optimization, project planning, and site audits. This position offers opportunities for growth in a fast-paced engineering environment, requiring strong communication skills and proficiency in MS Office. Travel to operational sites in Mpumalanga is expected.

Qualifications

• Recently completed BEng in Process or Chemical Engineering.
• 0 – 3 years' experience in relevant engineering environments.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist with process assessments and optimization in water treatment.
• Support project planning and commissioning activities.
• Conduct audits and collect data during site visits.
• Contribute to regulatory compliance and operator training.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Adaptability

MS Office proficiency

Knowledge of Python

Education

BEng Process Engineering or Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process simulation tools

Job description

Job Title: Graduate Process Engineer

Location: Gauteng (Pretoria) / Mpumalanga (Witbank)

Industry: Water Treatment | Engineering | Wastewater

Type: Permanent

About the Role

Our client, a leader in sustainable water and wastewater treatment solutions, is seeking a Graduate Process Engineer (BEng Process or Chemical Engineering) to join their growing and fast-paced engineering team.

Based at the Pretoria head office, with regular travel to operational sites in the Mpumalanga (Witbank) region, this role is ideal for an energetic, hands-on graduate who is eager to learn, grow, and gain exposure across design, operations, optimization, and client-facing activities.

You will support and participate in the design, evaluation, and continuous improvement of water and chemical treatment systems.

This includes assisting with project planning, implementation, commissioning, and troubleshooting.

The ideal candidate is analytical, adaptable, and excited about building a career in the water treatment and engineering sector.

What you'll be doing

• Assist with process assessments, optimization, and troubleshooting across water and chemical treatment systems.
• Support project planning, scheduling, installation, commissioning, and close-out activities.
• Work closely with design, operations, and client teams to ensure technical and commercial requirements are met.
• Participate in site visits to conduct audits, collect data, and resolve technical challenges.
• Contribute to technical proposals, solution design, costing, and client support activities.
• Assist with ensuring regulatory, safety, and environmental compliance, particularly on industrial and mining sites.
• Participate in operator training, development of manuals, and performance improvement activities.
• Prepare reports, process documentation, and operational recommendations.

What you'll need

• BEng Process Engineering or Chemical Engineering (completed).
• 0 – 3 years' experience in water treatment, chemical processing, industrial plants, or related engineering environments.
• Exposure to project management principles (advantageous).
• Site-based experience in commissioning, optimisation, or operational support (preferred).
• Proficiency in MS Office; knowledge of Python or process simulation tools beneficial.
• Valid driver's license and own car – ability and willingness to travel regularly to Mpumalanga.
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal).