Water Treatment Process Engineer - Optimization & Operations

Headhunters; Mpumalanga; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Job summary

Headhunters is seeking a Chemical Engineer with 3–5 years' experience in water treatment to join our client. You will provide technical support to operations, drive process improvements, and oversee membrane filtration processes.

The role requires hands-on operation, strong analytical skills, teamwork, and the ability to manage multiple tasks while meeting safety and KPI targets. Standby duties may be required; a valid driver's license and reliable transport are expected.

Qualifications

• B.Eng. or degree in Chemical Engineering preferred.
• 3–5 years’ relevant experience in water treatment processes.
• Proven experience in process improvement and optimisation initiatives.
• Experience operating membrane filtration processes.
• Valid driver’s licence and own transport.
• Medically fit and 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

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Initiative

Time management

Multitasking

Independent work

Leadership

Standby readiness

Computer literacy

Education

B.Eng./Degree in Chemical Engineering

Job description

Headhunters is seeking a Chemical Engineer with 3–5 years' experience in water treatment to join our client. You will provide technical support to operations, drive process improvements, and oversee membrane filtration processes.

The role requires hands-on operation, strong analytical skills, teamwork, and the ability to manage multiple tasks while meeting safety and KPI targets. Standby duties may be required; a valid driver's license and reliable transport are expected.