Water Treatment Process Engineer - Optimization

Headhunters (South Africa); eMalahleni; On-site; ZAR 850,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Headhunters seeks a skilled Chemical Engineer to join our water treatment operations team in Mpumalanga. You will drive process improvement, optimise plant performance and provide technical support to the operations team.

Requirements include a B.Eng. or degree in Chemical Engineering, 3–5 years in water treatment, experience with membrane filtration, and a proactive, team‑oriented approach with strong problem solving and communication skills.

Qualifications

• B.Eng./Degree in Chemical Engineering preferred.
• 3–5 years’ relevant experience in water treatment processes.
• 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.
• 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 pressure.
• Ability 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 optimisation.
• Identify 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

Communication skills

Teamwork

Leadership

Analytical skills

Education

B.Eng./Degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Computer literacy

Job description

Headhunters seeks a skilled Chemical Engineer to join our water treatment operations team in Mpumalanga. You will drive process improvement, optimise plant performance and provide technical support to the operations team.

Requirements include a B.Eng. or degree in Chemical Engineering, 3–5 years in water treatment, experience with membrane filtration, and a proactive, team‑oriented approach with strong problem solving and communication skills.