Junior Production Engineer - Worcester

Headhunters; Worcester; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 620,000; Full time

Job summary

Headhunters invites applications for a Process Engineer on site in Worcester. You will act as the technical process authority, lead the Process Controllers and ensure safe, efficient operation of the plant. You will monitor performance, interpret results and drive continuous improvement.

The role requires a Chemical Engineering degree, 1–3 years of relevant experience, and willingness to relocate to Worcester. A fast learner with strong documentation skills is essential.

Qualifications

• B.Eng or BTech in Chemical Engineering.
• 1–3 years experience in an engineering or production related field preferred.
• Experience in Anaerobic Digestion & Biological treatment, RO, MBR, Precipitation, Clarification is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Act as technical process authority on site and provide process expertise.
• Lead, guide and develop Process Controllers on process matters.
• Take operational responsibility for plant performance when the Plant Manager is unavailable.

Skills

Process calculations

Mass balances

Documentation

Shift leadership

Biogas systems

Stakeholder relations

Time management

Multi-tasking

Driving license

Relocation willingness

Education

B.Eng or BTech in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Word

Excel

Database

PowerPoint

Email literacy

Job description

Requirements:

• B.Eng or BTech in Chemical Engineering.
• 1 - 3 years working experience in an engineering or production related field would be preferred.
• 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 of accuracy.
• 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 will be an advantage.
• Computer skills: Word, Excel, data base, power point and e‑mail literacy.
• Be a fast learner and able to work with little supervision.
• 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.
• Valid code B drivers' licence and own reliable transport.
• Willingness to support a continuous 24/7 operation, including standby / call‑out when required.
• Residing in or willing to relocate to the Worcester area.

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, 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).
• 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, including organic loading rate, temperature, pH, VFA / alkalinity and 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 regimes accordingly.
• Compile and distribute daily plant operational performance reports to internal and external stakeholders.
• Compile, verify and maintain process calculations, 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 optimisation and continuous improvement initiatives from identification and motivation through to implementation and verification of the benefit realised.
• Act as custodian of engineering and process documentation, including process flow diagrams, P&IDs, equipment lists, datasheets, design documents, control philosophies and technical registers, ensuring all are current, controlled and correctly filed.
• Track chemical consumption, manage chemical stock levels and monitor the cost of treatment, optimising where possible.
• Collaborate with the Maintenance Manager and Plant Manager for planned downtime, ensuring the process is placed in the required state for maintenance and returned to service efficiently.
• Provide process input into the expansion and improvement of process units and lead the onsite implementation of process changes.
• Support the standardisation of plant data and automation on site, and the roll‑out of digital support and remote monitoring.
• 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 client SHE requirements.
• Client communication, interaction and management, including attendance of meetings.

Please note that if you do not receive a response within 2 weeks, your application has been unsuccessful.