Production Engineer - Water Treatment & Process Optimization

University of Fort Hare; Mpumalanga; On-site; ZAR 650,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Fort Hare in eMalahleni, Mpumalanga seeks a Production Engineer for a permanent role. The candidate will optimise water treatment processes, monitor performance, and drive continuous improvement initiatives while ensuring safe, compliant operations.

The role requires a Chemical Engineering background with 3–5 years of related experience, strong teamwork, and the ability to manage client-facing reporting and on-site plant performance.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in water treatment processes with a proven improvement record.
• Experience with mine-impacted water treatment and membrane filtration operations.
• Fast learner capable of working with little supervision.
• Own transport with valid driver’s license and medically fit.

Responsibilities

• Continuously improve and optimise water treatment processes.
• Maintain administration and control procedures to meet performance objectives.
• Monitor, record and report on process performance and projects.
• Attend client feedback meetings and ensure high client satisfaction.
• Prepare monthly plant reports and participate in client meetings.
• Monitor plant health and interventions to optimise availability.
• Provide process, operational and maintenance expertise.
• Communicate plant health and performance and take corrective actions.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and optimise chemical consumption.
• Lead on-site implementation of process changes and training of staff.
• Ensure safe operation and risk management for plant equipment.
• Develop Standard Operating Procedures as required.
• Support project inputs and commissioning of new installations.

Skills

Water treatment

Process improvement

Teamwork

Time management

Communication

Computer literacy

Fast learner

Education

B.Eng Chemical

Job description

University of Fort Hare in eMalahleni, Mpumalanga seeks a Production Engineer for a permanent role. The candidate will optimise water treatment processes, monitor performance, and drive continuous improvement initiatives while ensuring safe, compliant operations.

The role requires a Chemical Engineering background with 3–5 years of related experience, strong teamwork, and the ability to manage client-facing reporting and on-site plant performance.