Process Engineer

Minopex; Mpumalanga; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

DRA Water in Mpumalanga is seeking a Process Engineer to ensure that all water treatment plants operate at design capacity and deliver the required product quality. The role focuses on technical oversight, performance analysis and continuous improvements to drive reliability and efficiency.

You will lead root cause analyses, update technical documents, and establish preventative maintenance. A strong emphasis on safety and stakeholder communication is essential.

Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in Chemical Engineering is essential.
• BSc Honours in Water/Wastewater Sciences adds value for the role.
• Matric and relevant NQF Level 4 qualification are required or preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical oversight of plant performance and implement process, control and procedural changes.
• Conduct plant walkdowns to evaluate condition and implement preventative maintenance plans.
• Analyze plant performance data to ensure long-term equipment and membrane health.
• Identify and implement plant improvements within budget and update SOPs and site control sheets.
• Lead RCA for plant failures and ensure proper documentation and action.
• Support safety culture and liaise with clients and suppliers on site.

Skills

Analytical skills

Excellent communication

Independent work

Report writing

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's/Diploma in Chemical Engineering

BSc Honours in Water/Wastewater Sciences

Matric (NQF4)

Job description

Introduction

DRA Water is looking for a qualified Process Engineer to be based at Tweefontein Water Reclamation Plant, Mpumalanga. This position is a Permanent Contract.

Purpose

Main function of this role is to ensure that all plants are operated within their design capacity and produce the desired product volumes and qualities

Duties and Responsibilities

Main functions (but NOT limited to)

• Technical oversight of plant performance, identifying production limitations and recommending and implementing process, control and procedural changes.
• Physical plant walkdowns to evaluate plant condition, engineering and operational risk. Implement action plans to prevent production and product quality excursions. Recommend and implement preventative maintenance plans.
• Plant performance data analysis to ensure plant performance, long term equipment and membrane health.
• Identify, design and Implement plant improvements and modifications within budget.
• Updating of all plant related technical and engineering documents.
• Chemical dosing technical oversight, plant chemistry monitoring and optimisation to protect membrane health.

Technical Requirements

• Maintain all plants at design capacity and quality specifications
• Take responsibility of all process operating units and actively evaluating against design/long term operational intent. Get all process units performing to requirements.
• Identification and correction of process related issues affecting production and cost to minimize risk. Maximise plant production and product quality.
• Propose innovative deliverable solutions to facilitate process, production and operational improvement.
• Conduct and lead Root Cause Analysis for the sites.
• Timeous identification and issuing of process and quality NCR's.
• Updating, training and implementation of SOP's and site control sheets.
• Take responsibility in implementing onsite analytical monitoring programs to ensure accurate data, preventing additional expenditure. Emphasis on regular oversight checks on adherence.
• Ensure excellent compliance in updating of controlled documents. CI'Projects, P&ID's, Schedules etc.
• Manage the time schedule, quality, risk and scope of process deliverables for any plant modifications or changes.
• Upskilling of other Process Engineers/ Plant Personnel.
• Be a leader in driving positive change on site, by regular interaction on site. Positively influencing site culture and safety.
• Investigate all plant failures, perform root cause analysis and report all findings
• Ensure the correct samples are taken at the prescribed intervals
• Liaise with external laboratories
• Making observations and taking measurements directly, as well as collecting and interpreting data from the other technical and operating staff involved;
• Initiate and implement cost saving initiatives.
• Preparing reports, flow diagrams and charts
• Actively contributes to the building of a safety culture within the group. Contributes to safety reporting of events and VCL’s.
• Assist with standby and call-out duties as and when required.
• Interact with Clients and suppliers, representing the best interest of the company.

Minimum Requirements

• Matric (Grade 12) or an equivalent qualification registered at NQF Level 4, including relevant NATED courses (e.g., N3 Certificate)
• Degree or Diploma in Chemical Engineering is essential
• BSc Honours in Water/Wastewater Sciences/Water Utilisation will be an added advantage
• Driver’s license and access to own transportation

EXPERIENCE

• At least 5 years’ experience in water purification and waste water treatment plants and the associated equipment and unit processes
• At least 1 year Plant Operations experience
• At least 1 year Plant design experience – pump selection, pipe design, Process flow diagrams
• At least 2 years Development of plant operations procedures

JOB RELATED KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED

• Water treatment unit processes and treatment options
• Analyse plant performance data and water quality to assess how to operate the plant and intervene where necessary
• General knowledge of mechanical, electrical and instrumentation fields and engineering good practice
• Collate and report on all plant performance using water quality data results
• Process control, Plant and Equipment Controls

JOB RELATED COMPETENCIES

• Analytical skills and ability to problem solve plant issues and correct deviations
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to work independently and efficiently
• Report writing skills
• Ability to identify factors that can inhibit physical, chemical and biological processes in water and wastewater treatment
• Willingness to travel to remote sites is essential – significant time will be spent on site
• Ability to interact with various stakeholders, Clients, Staff, Suppliers etc.