Junior Production Engineer, Worcester

University of Fort Hare; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 260,000 - 380,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Fort Hare in Worcester, Western Cape, seeks a Junior Production Engineer for a permanent role. You will assist in process calculations, mass balances, and optimization of anaerobic digestion and related unit operations.

Requirements: Eng or BTech in Chemical Engineering with 1–3 years’ experience; proficient in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and email; willingness to lead a shift-based team; valid code B driver’s license; relocation to Worcester if needed. Salary: Market related.

Qualifications

• Eng or BTech in Chemical Engineering with 1–3 years working experience in an engineering or production related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Act as the technical process authority on site, providing process and operational expertise to the plant team.
• Lead, guide and develop the Process Controllers on all process matters, including work allocation on process tasks, technical coaching, training and verification of process decisions taken on shift.
• Take operational responsibility for plant performance and wellbeing when the Plant Manager is off site or unavailable, whilst ensuring safe and efficient operations of the plant(s).
• Own, drive and report on all optimisation and continuous improvement initiatives for the site, from identification and motivation through to implementation and verification of the benefit realised.

Skills

Word

Excel

Database

PowerPoint

Email literacy

Education

Eng or BTech in Chemical Engineering

Job description

We are seeking a Junior Production Engineer for a permanent vacancy based in Worcester, Western Cape

Applicants are required to meet the following criteria:

• Eng or BTech in Chemical Engineering with 1 - 3 years working experience in an engineering or production related field would be preferred
• Computer skills: Word, Excel, data base, power point and e-mail literacy
• Preferably experienced in Anaerobic Digestion & Biological treatment, RO, MBR, Precipitation, Clarification; relevant experience will be an advantage
• Sound ability to perform and interpret process calculations and mass balances, and to translate plant data into corrective and optimisation action
• Ability to compile, control and maintain technical and engineering documentation to a high standard
• Willingness and ability to lead, guide and develop a shift-based team of Process Controllers
• Practical understanding of biogas systems and the associated process and safety risks advantageous
• Be a fast learner and able to work with little supervision
• Valid code B drivers' licence and have own reliable transport
• Solution and improvement focused; Effective time management skills with a sense of urgency
• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with stakeholders
• Ability to multi-task and work under pressure
• Willingness to support a continuous 24/7 operation, including standby / callouts when required
• Residing in or willing to relocate to the Worcester area

The successful applicant would be responsible for, but not limited to:

• Act as the technical process authority on site, providing process and operational expertise to the plant team.
• Lead, guide and develop the Process Controllers on all process matters, including work allocation on process tasks, technical coaching, training and verification of process decisions taken on shift
• Take operational responsibility for plant performance and wellbeing when the Plant Manager is off site or unavailable, whilst ensuring safe and efficient operations of the plant(s).
• Act as custodian of all engineering and process documentation for the site, including process flow diagrams, P&IDs, equipment lists, datasheets, design documents, control philosophies and technical registers, and ensure all are current, controlled and correctly filed.
• Compile, verify and maintain all process calculations for the works, including hydraulic and organic loading, retention times, dosing rates, flux and recovery calculations, and biogas yield calculations.
• Develop, maintain and interpret mass balances to identify losses, inefficiencies and optimisation opportunities.
• Own, drive and report on all optimisation and continuous improvement initiatives for the site, from identification and motivation through to implementation and verification of the benefit realised.
• Monitor and evaluate plant health and performance and take appropriate action to keep the plant operating at optimum performance.
• Monitor, control and optimise the anaerobic digestion process (organic loading rate, temperature, pH, VFA / alkalinity, biogas yield) and act on all deviations.
• Drive plant performance against the contractual KPI's, including water recovery, biogas production, plant availability and utilisation.
• Interpret daily on-site laboratory results and effluent quality trends, and adjust process set points and dosing regimens accordingly.
• Compile and distribute daily plant operational performance reports to internal and external stakeholders.
• Track chemical consumption, manage chemical stock levels and monitor the cost of treatment, optimising where possible.
• Collaborate effectively with the Maintenance Manager and Plant Manager for planned downtime, ensuring the process is placed in the required state for maintenance to be carried out safely and returned to service efficiently.
• Provide process input into the expansion and improvement of process units.
• Lead the onsite implementation of process changes.
• Support the standardisation of plant data and automation on site, and the roll-out of the digital support and remote monitoring package.
• Compile Standard Operating Procedures where required.
• Adhere to Incident Notification protocols and management of Incidents / NCR's, and follow through on corrective / preventative actions.
• Ensure PTO's, SWP's and Task Risk Assessments are in place, communicated and conducted as per schedule / procedural requirements.
• Comply at all times with all company and client SHE requirements.
• Client communication, interaction and management, including attendance of meetings.

Salary: Market related