JUNIOR PRODUCTION ENGINEER

Staff Solutions; Worcester; On-site; ZAR 480,000 - 720,000; Full time

Job summary

Staff Solutions in Worcester is seeking a Process Engineer/Team Lead to supervise and develop a team of Process Controllers within a biogas and water treatment plant. You will drive process improvements and ensure safe, compliant operations across shift coverage.

You will prepare technical documents, monitor plant data, and collaborate with management on maintenance, upgrades and automation. Relocation to Worcester is required.

Qualifications

• B.Eng. or BTech in Chemical Engineering.
• Experience in engineering or production environment preferred (1–3 years).
• Strong documentation and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to lead, train and develop Process Controllers.
• Willingness to support a 24/7 operation.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical and process support to ensure safe, efficient plant operation.
• Lead and train Process Controllers, allocate tasks and monitor work.
• Oversee plant operations in manager's absence.
• Maintain technical documents, drawings, equipment lists and process records.
• Perform process calculations: water flow, capacity, dosing and biogas production.
• Monitor mass balances and plant performance, identify improvements.
• Implement process improvements and cost-saving opportunities.
• Coordinate maintenance planning with Plant Manager.
• Assist with upgrades, automation, and SOP development.
• Report incidents and ensure corrective actions are closed.
• Ensure safe work procedures, permits and SHE compliance.
• Communicate with clients and attend meetings.

Skills

Process engineering

Team leadership

Documentation

Data interpretation

Problem solving

Time management

Communication

Multitasking

Education

B.Eng./BTech in Chemical Engineering

1–3 years experience in engineering/production

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

PowerPoint

Databases

Email

Job description

Responsibilities

• Provide technical and process support to ensure the plant operates safely and efficiently.
• Lead, guide, train and support Process Controllers, including allocating tasks and checking their work.
• Oversee plant operations when the Plant Manager is unavailable.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date technical documents, drawings, equipment lists and process records.
• Perform and maintain process calculations, including water flow, treatment capacity, chemical dosing and biogas production.
• Monitor mass balances to identify losses, problems and opportunities to improve plant performance.
• Identify, implement and report on process improvements and cost-saving opportunities.
• Monitor plant performance and take action to resolve problems and improve efficiency.
• Monitor and optimise the anaerobic digestion process, including temperature, pH, organic loading and biogas production.
• Ensure the plant meets its performance targets for water recovery, biogas production, availability and efficiency.
• Review laboratory results and water quality trends and adjust treatment processes when necessary.
• Prepare and distribute daily plant performance reports.
• Monitor chemical usage, stock levels and treatment costs.
• Work with the Plant Manager and Maintenance Manager to plan maintenance and ensure the plant is safely shut down and restarted.
• Assist with plant upgrades, expansions and process improvements.
• Implement process changes and support plant automation, digital systems and remote monitoring.
• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Report incidents and non-conformances and ensure corrective actions are completed.
• Ensure safe work procedures, permits and risk assessments are in place and followed.
• Comply with all company and client Safety, Health and Environmental (SHE) requirements.
• Communicate with clients, attend meetings and maintain positive working relationships.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• B.Eng. or BTech in Chemical Engineering.
• 1–3 years' experience in an engineering or production-related environment is preferred.
• Computer literacy, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, databases and email.
• Experience in anaerobic digestion, biological treatment, reverse osmosis (RO), membrane bioreactors (MBR), precipitation or clarification will be an advantage.
• Ability to perform process calculations, interpret plant data and identify improvements.
• Good technical documentation and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to lead, train and develop a team of Process Controllers.
• Knowledge of biogas systems and related safety risks will be an advantage.
• Quick learner who can work independently with minimal supervision.
• Valid Code B driver's licence and own reliable transport.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a continuous improvement mindset.
• Good time management, organisational and communication skills.
• Ability to multitask and work under pressure.
• Willingness to support a 24/7 operation, including standby and call-outs when required.
• Must live in or be willing to relocate to the Worcester area.