Specialist Sanitation Engineer - Industrial Cleaning

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 461,000 - 646,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly skilled Specialist Sanitation Engineer for a Durban-based role. You will design, implement, and optimize sanitation systems across industrial environments, ensuring compliance with HACCP, GMP, and regulatory standards.

The position requires leadership in project delivery and collaboration with cross-functional teams to enhance hygiene and operational efficiency. The role offers a hybrid work arrangement with a focus on safety, innovation, and impactful sanitation

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (Chemical/Mechanical/Environmental Engineering).
• 7+ years of progressive sanitation engineering experience in an industrial setting.
• Experience designing and implementing sanitation programs for food, pharmaceutical, or chemical sectors.
• Strong knowledge of microbiology, chemistry, and sanitation principles.
• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks (FDA/USDA/EU) is a plus.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement sanitation systems for industrial facilities.
• Evaluate existing processes to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and cost.
• Conduct risk assessments and mitigate sanitation hazards.
• Specify cleaning agents, disinfectants, and equipment for various applications.
• Oversee installation and commissioning of sanitation equipment and systems.
• Develop and deliver staff training on sanitation procedures and best practices.
• Ensure compliance with HACCP, GMP, and local environmental regulations.
• Collaborate with operations, QA, and maintenance to integrate sanitation needs.
• Investigate sanitation failures and implement corrective actions.
• Stay updated on new technologies in industrial sanitation.

Skills

Sanitation engineering

Regulatory knowledge

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical/Mechanical/Environmental Engineering

Tools

CAD

Process simulation

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly skilled and innovative Specialist Sanitation Engineer to join their team in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal . This role focuses on designing, implementing, and optimizing sanitation systems and processes for industrial environments, ensuring compliance with stringent health, safety, and environmental standards. The ideal candidate will possess a strong engineering background combined with extensive knowledge of sanitation principles and applications in sectors such as food processing, manufacturing, or pharmaceuticals. This is a challenging opportunity for a proactive engineer to make a significant impact by developing cutting-edge sanitation solutions, improving operational efficiency, and minimizing risks. The successful applicant will be a problem-solver with a passion for maintaining the highest levels of hygiene in complex industrial settings.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement advanced sanitation systems and protocols for industrial facilities.
• Evaluate existing sanitation processes and identify areas for improvement in efficiency, effectiveness, and cost.
• Conduct risk assessments and develop strategies to mitigate sanitation-related hazards.
• Specify appropriate cleaning agents, disinfectants, and equipment for various industrial applications.
• Oversee the installation and commissioning of new sanitation equipment and systems.
• Develop and deliver training programs for operational staff on sanitation procedures and best practices.
• Ensure all sanitation activities comply with relevant industry regulations, such as HACCP, GMP, and local environmental laws.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including operations, quality assurance, and maintenance, to integrate sanitation requirements into facility design and operation.
• Investigate sanitation failures or outbreaks and implement corrective and preventative actions.
• Stay abreast of new technologies, materials, and methodologies in industrial sanitation engineering.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in sanitation engineering or a related role within an industrial setting.
• Proven expertise in designing and implementing sanitation programs for sectors like food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, or chemical manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of microbiology, chemistry, and engineering principles relevant to sanitation.
• Experience with regulatory compliance (e.g., FDA, USDA, EU regulations) is highly desirable.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, schematics, and regulatory documents.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to liaise with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Proficiency in relevant software (e.g., CAD, process simulation tools).
• Willingness to travel occasionally to different sites within Durban and surrounding areas.

Benefits

This contract role offers a competitive daily rate commensurate with experience and expertise. Our client provides a dynamic and challenging work environment where innovation is encouraged. You will have the opportunity to work on significant projects that impact operational safety and efficiency. We offer flexibility with a hybrid work arrangement, allowing for a balance between on-site and remote work. This position in Durban is an excellent opportunity to apply your specialized skills and contribute to a leading organization, gaining valuable experience in industrial sanitation engineering.