Production Engineer: Water Treatment & Process Optimisation

Headhunters; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

The Not disclosed client in the water treatment and environmental services sector is seeking a Production Engineer to join their Kromdraai, Gauteng team. You will support plant productivity, process performance, and client satisfaction while driving continuous improvement across operations.

Reporting to the Production Manager, you will lead technical initiatives, optimise membranes and treatment processes, and ensure safe, reliable plant operations.

Qualifications

• B.Eng or BTech in Chemical Engineering.
• 3–5 years’ relevant experience in water treatment processes - non negotiable!
• Proven experience in process improvement and optimisation initiatives
• Experience with mine-impacted water treatment processes
• Experience operating and monitoring membrane filtration processes
• Strong technical understanding of process, operational, and maintenance requirements
• Computer literacy
• Valid driver’s licence and own reliable transport
• Medically fit
• No criminal record
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Solution- and improvement-focused with strong initiative
• Effective time-management skills and a strong sense of urgency
• Ability to multitask and work under pressureAbility to work independently with minimal supervision
• Strong leadership and decision-making abilities
• Willingness to perform standby duties when required

Responsibilities

• Provide effective technical support to the operations team
• Drive continuous improvement and optimisation of plant processes
• Monitor plant health and proactively address issues to optimise plant availability
• Take operational responsibility for plant performance and overall plant wellbeing
• Ensure safe, efficient, and reliable plant operations
• Provide process, operational, and maintenance expertise
• Monitor and communicate plant health and performance
• Identify and implement optimisation and cost-saving initiatives
• Track chemical consumption and manage chemical stock levels
• Monitor treatment costs and identify opportunities for cost optimisationIdentify and implement continuous improvement initiatives
• Lead the on-site implementation of process changes
• Provide engineering and process-related input into projects
• Assist with the commissioning of new installations
• Manage risks relating to the protection of plant equipment
• Compile and maintain Standard Operating Procedures where required
• Train and develop Process Controllers and Supervisors
• Compile monthly plant reports and provide effective reporting to the Production Manager
• Maintain detailed records and reporting on processes, projects, and improvement initiatives
• Attend client feedback meetings and provide professional reporting
• Maintain strong client communication and relationships
• Ensure client satisfaction through high-quality service delivery
• Ensure compliance with contractual quality and quantity KPIs
• Maintain effective administration and control procedures
• Perform standby duties as required
• Carry out any other reasonable duties required to support operational objectives

Skills

Problem-solving

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Standby readiness

Communication skills

Leadership

Time management

Education

B.Eng or BTech in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Computer literacy

Job description

The Not disclosed client in the water treatment and environmental services sector is seeking a Production Engineer to join their Kromdraai, Gauteng team. You will support plant productivity, process performance, and client satisfaction while driving continuous improvement across operations.

Reporting to the Production Manager, you will lead technical initiatives, optimise membranes and treatment processes, and ensure safe, reliable plant operations.