Senior Process Engineer - Hydropower Operations

Placements24; East London; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Performance-based bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Process Engineer to oversee operational efficiency and continuous improvement of hydropower facilities near East London, Eastern Cape. You will analyse data, identify improvements, troubleshoot complex issues, and implement process enhancements to maximise energy output and minimise downtime.

The role requires a strong background in mechanical or chemical engineering, with hands-on experience in industrial process optimisation within energy or water management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering is required.
• At least 7 years of process engineering or operations experience in energy or industrial settings.
• Strong skills in data analysis, problem solving, and process optimization.
• Experience with hydropower or water management is a plus.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyse plant data to identify trends and inefficiencies.
• Develop and implement process optimization strategies to improve energy generation and reliability.
• Lead troubleshooting for equipment malfunctions and control system issues.
• Prepare technical reports on plant performance and improvement initiatives.

Skills

Process optimization

Data analysis

Troubleshooting

SCADA systems

Engineering leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Chemical Engineering

Tools

SCADA systems

Instrumentation

P&ID reading

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a key operator in the South African energy generation sector, is seeking a Senior Process Engineer to oversee the operational efficiency and continuous improvement of their hydropower facilities, located near East London, Eastern Cape. This role is vital for ensuring the optimal performance, reliability, and safety of the power generation processes. You will be responsible for analysing operational data, identifying areas for optimisation, troubleshooting complex issues, and implementing process improvements to maximise energy output and minimise downtime. The position requires a strong background in mechanical or chemical engineering, coupled with hands-on experience in industrial process optimisation, particularly within the energy or water management sectors. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to critical infrastructure in the scenic Eastern Cape region.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyse operational data from hydropower plants to identify trends, inefficiencies, and potential failures.


• Develop and implement process optimisation strategies to improve energy generation efficiency, water management, and equipment performance.


• Lead troubleshooting efforts for process-related issues, including equipment malfunctions, water flow anomalies, and control system problems.


• Design and execute process improvements, modifications, and upgrades to enhance plant safety, reliability, and output.


• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and operational guidelines.


• Conduct root cause analyses (RCAs) for operational incidents and implement corrective actions.


• Ensure all operational processes comply with environmental regulations, safety standards, and company policies.


• Collaborate with maintenance, operations, and engineering teams to ensure seamless plant operation.


• Prepare technical reports on plant performance, process efficiency, and improvement initiatives.


• Stay current with best practices and emerging technologies in hydropower operations and process engineering.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.


• A minimum of 7 years of experience in process engineering or operations within an industrial or energy generation environment, preferably hydropower.


• Proven experience in process analysis, optimisation, and troubleshooting in a plant operations setting.


• Strong understanding of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and mechanical systems relevant to hydropower.


• Familiarity with process control systems, instrumentation, and data acquisition.


• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen eye for detail.


• Strong communication, teamwork, and leadership abilities.


• Ability to work effectively on-site in the East London area and collaborate with cross-functional teams.


• Knowledge of South African environmental and safety regulations pertinent to power generation is advantageous.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including medical aid, a provident fund, and performance-based bonuses. This role provides the opportunity to work on essential energy infrastructure, with significant scope for professional development and contribution to the energy sector in South Africa.

Join our dedicated team in East London and help ensure the efficient and sustainable operation of vital hydropower resources.