Process Engineer

Transnet SOC Ltd; Lesedi Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 650,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Transnet Pipelines seeks a Process Engineer to support the lifecycle management of process assets, ensuring reliability and capacity for long-term operations. The role provides technical input to maintenance and capital projects and collaborates with operations and other technical disciplines.

The incumbent will develop maintenance plans, define performance standards, and lead process engineering projects to improve asset availability and efficiency across pipeline infrastructure.

Qualifications

• BSc/BEng/BTech in Chemical Engineering.
• 3–5 years in a large organisation with a complex operations and commercial environment within a petrochemical maintenance or engineering environment.
• Trust and honesty in handling finances as per NCA Amendment 19.
• Lean Six Sigma is an added advantage.
• Eligible to register with ECSA as a Professional Engineer/Technologist.

Responsibilities

• Support the implementation of a Process asset lifecycle management strategy to ensure asset availability and long-term capacity planning.
• Provide technical and process engineering input to Process-related projects (Maintenance and Capital) and to operations and other disciplines.
• Develop and monitor process maintenance plans (5–7 year horizon) and ensure compliance with budgets and standards.
• Lead or support process engineering and re-engineering projects to improve asset performance and cost efficiency.

Skills

Engineering knowledge

Analytical thinking

Project coordination

Lean Six Sigma (adv)

Education

BSc/BEng/BTech in Chemical Engineering

Job description

Support the implementation of the Process assets Lifecycle management strategy and philosophy (medium and long-term) to ensure that from a Process perspective Transnet Pipelines’ infrastructure and equipment capacity requirements are met and sustained in the long term, in accordance with company and departmental business objectives.

This position is part of the Process engineering team within Transnet Pipelines and encompasses the effective and efficient execution and engineering input to all Process related projects (Maintenance and Capital of nature), the execution of Process related Research & Design, determining of policy, procedures and quality standards for systems and equipment, maintenance procedures and the management of preventative maintenance and defect repair in this regard.

The incumbent is responsible for providing technical and process engineering support for all process related equipment and capital development projects, as well as providing expert technical support to Operations and other Technical disciplines and providing a consultation service to external parties (e.g. National Bodies and private industry) as and when required. Incumbent participates in and details all Process related aspects of Capital Projects for Transnet Pipelines

Position Outputs

Support the implementation of the Process asset Lifecycle management strategy to ensure the availability of reliable and excellent condition infrastructure and equipment assets and relevant pipeline infrastructure capacity over the long term, based on all asset lifecycles and operational approved strategies, and ahead of demand. Execution of lifecycle plans for assets, the remaining usable life, their suitability to market demands, shortages and surpluses and ensure proper planning for the maintenance, upgrading, replacement and scrapping of the assets, where applicable. Support the development and monitoring the implementation of the process related assets maintenance plan (5–7-year plan) to ensure that assets are maintained in a condition fit and safe for operations within the approved maintenance budgets.

Define technical performance norms/standards, rules and regulations for maintenance processes and activities to ensure that all infrastructure assets are maintained and are performing within the planned norms and provide remedial action plan/s for any deviations in accordance with Transnet and Transnet Pipelines policies, relevant legislation, regulations and standards. Monitor and review the performance of all infrastructure assets and implement technical audits to determine if their performance is according to the approved maintenance plan, operational performance standards and degradation rates and modify accordingly, where applicable, to ensure alignment to the maintenance plan. Identify, recommend and manage the implementation of process engineering and re-engineering projects related to improving the performance and efficiency of the assets in a cost-effective manner.

Manage the availability of capacity within Process engineering department by co-ordinating skilled personnel to add economic value to projects and operations. Compile and manage the operating, capitalised maintenance, capital budgets (OPEX, COPEX and CAPEX) to ensure compliance to agreed targets and achieve cost containment. Support a high-performance culture amongst staff through the performance management system to enhance performance objectives and ensure developing of technical skills through programmes such as the Engineer Programme, the Engineer in Training/Technician in Training Programme. Support continuous improvement using Lean Six Sigma within the assets management, by introduction of world-class maintenance standards to ensure high asset availability and reliability and reduction in maintenance cost.

Input into development, implementation to ensure effective utilisation of a technology for maintenance management system, ensuring information is always up to date and available for audit and legal requirements. Support processes to guide reverse engineering and localization for long term sustainability. Support and develop Operational Readiness for new assets in terms of maintainability, spares availability, skilled maintenance and operational personnel and technical support and facilities. Provision of Engineering technical support for the planning, design, maintenance and decommissioning of pipeline infrastructure. Benchmark, source, implement and monitor systems and tools to ensure effective asset lifecycle management and keeping abreast of latest market developments, training and ensuring correct deployment.

Qualifications and Experience

• BSc or BEng or BTech in Chemical Engineering.
• 3-5 years’ experience in a large organisation with a complex operations and commercial environment within a petrochemical maintenance or engineering environment.
• Requirement of trust and honesty in the handling of finances as per the National Credit Act Amendment 19.
• Added Advantage: Lean Six Sigma.
• Eligible to registered with ECSA as a Professional Engineer/Technologist.

Standard Job Requirements

• Driver’s license code B.
• Travel as required and approved.
• Medical certificate.
• Must be willing to undergo Lifestyle Audit.

Competencies

• Knowledge of Engineering Research Methodologies.
• Ability to carry out hydraulic simulations/ calculations and guide company decisions of a hydraulic nature.
• Support all change control and project request for all Process Engineering deliverables.
• Member of Capital Projects Owners teams as lead Process Engineer or support thereof.
• Sound understanding of pipeline hydraulics.
• Generation and updating of Process and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), Process Flow Diagrams.
• Development of Philosophy documents to guide operations /initiatives and projects.
• Review and input to all Operational Procedures.
• Specification and sizing of all typical process related equipment (relief devices, pumps, control valves).
• Familiarity and knowledge of applicable standards (API / NFPA).
• Good understanding of Electrical, Mechanical, instrumentation and controls Engineering.
• Understanding of Transnet Procurement processes and procedures.
• Knowledge to proactively meet the requirements of Statutory and regulatory bodies for Transnet Pipelines Business strategy & business planning cycle.
• Cross-functional alignment of business Processes.

Equity Statement

Preference will be given to suitably qualified Applicants who are members of the designated groups in line with the Employment Equity Plan and Targets of the Organisation/Operating Division.