Graduate Process Engineer

Elchemie Recruitment; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is seeking a Graduate Process Engineer to join a pioneering water treatment company. You will assist in design and optimization, project planning, and technical support while regularly traveling to operational sites. Candidates should have a BEng in Process Engineering, up to 3 years of experience, and strong communication skills. Join a dynamic team and contribute to impactful projects in the engineering sector.

Qualifications

• 0 – 3 years' experience in water treatment or related engineering environments.
• Exposure to project management principles is advantageous.
• Site-based experience in commissioning or operational support is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with process assessments and troubleshooting across water treatment systems.
• Support project planning and installation activities.
• Work with teams to meet technical and commercial requirements.
• Conduct audits and resolve technical challenges during site visits.
• Contribute to technical proposals and client support activities.

Skills

Analytical skills

Adaptability

Strong communication skills

Proficiency in MS Office

Knowledge of Python

Education

BEng Process 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