Production Engineer

Boardroom Appointments; Durban; On-site; ZAR 400,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is seeking a Production Engineer in Durban, South Africa. The ideal candidate will have a BTech/BSc in Chemical Engineering and 3-5 years' experience in a manufacturing environment. Responsibilities include optimizing production processes and coaching plant personnel. This role demands strong problem-solving skills and in-depth knowledge of polymers.

Qualifications

• Matric (Grade 12) with a BTech/BSc in Chemical Engineering.
• 3 - 5 Years in a Chemical/Manufacturing Environment (Polymer).
• In-depth knowledge and experience in Polymers or Petrochemicals.

Responsibilities

• Understand the process technologies and optimize operations.
• Coach plant personnel in technical operational problem-solving.
• Collaborate with other Production Engineers to enhance performance.

Skills

Polymers or Petrochemicals knowledge

Communication skills

Problem-solving ability

Performance accountability

Systems thinking

Education

BTech / BSc in Chemical Engineering

Tools

SAP

Job description

Production Engineer

Minimum Qualifications

• Matric (Grade 12) with BTech / BSc in Chemical Engineering

Minimum Experience

• 3 - 5 Years in a Chemical / Manufacturing Environment (Polymer)

Main Responsibilities

• Understand the process technologies, equipment, and control technologies. Work in the plant to optimise operations and achieve production, cost, and quality targets.
• Coach plant personnel in solving technical operational problems; support or manage process-based fault analyses.
• Introduce best practices into plant operations to optimise performance and ensure that the Most Effective Technology (MET) is applied.
• Collaborate with other Production Engineers within the business to enhance plant knowledge and performance.
• Support Improvement Teams and work with Expertise Centres to solve problems (e.g., collaborate with Reliability Engineers on reliability issues).
• Work with Production Data Analysts to identify permanent process changes and update standards for the Diamond System.
• Record improvement suggestions using flexi log and SAP.
• Apply SPC Technology and Process Control to maximise Asset Utilisation and produce low-cost, high-value products.
• Update operating instructions in line with areas of specialisation, in coordination with Operations.
• Apply MET and Asset Utilisation Principles consistently.

Minimum Critical Requirements

• In-depth knowledge and experience in Polymers or Petrochemicals.
• Expertise in operational discipline.
• Strong accountability and responsibility for performance and processes.
• Innovative, process-driven, and proficient in systems thinking.
• Results-driven with excellent execution management.
• Effective communication skills.
• Technical proficiency in all safety-related areas.
• Agile, growth-oriented mindset with strong problem-solving ability.
• Ability to identify, analyse, and solve complex production, equipment, and process issues.