Process Engineer - Fixed Term Contract at Minopex

Purpose

• Main function of this role is to ensure that all plants are operated within their design capacity and produce the desired product volumes and qualities

Duties & Responsibilities:

Main functions (but NOT limited to)

• Technical oversight of plant performance, identifying production limitations and recommending and implementing process, control and procedural changes.
• Physical plant walkdowns to evaluate plant condition, engineering and operational risk. Implement action plans to prevent production and product quality excursions. Recommend and implement preventative maintenance plans.
• Plant performance data analysis to ensure plant performance, long term equipment and membrane health.
• Identify, design and Implement plant improvements and modifications within budget.
• Updating of all plant related technical and engineering documents.
• Chemical dosing technical oversight, plant chemistry monitoring and optimisation to protect membrane health.

Technical Requirements

• Maintain all plants at design capacity and quality specifications
• Take responsibility of all process operating units and actively evaluating against design/long term operational intent. Get all process units performing to requirements.
• Identification and correction of process related issues affecting production and cost to minimize risk. Maximise plant production and product quality.
• Propose innovative deliverable solutions to facilitate process, production and operational improvement.
• Conduct and lead Root Cause Analysis for the sites.
• Timeous identification and issuing of process and quality NCR's.
• Updating, training and implementation of SOP's and site control sheets.
• Take responsibility in implementing onsite analytical monitoring programs to ensure accurate data, preventing additional expenditure. Emphasis on regular oversight checks on adherence.
• Ensure excellent compliance in updating of controlled documents. CI'Projects, P&ID's, Schedules etc.
• Manage the time schedule, quality, risk and scope of process deliverables for any plant modifications or changes.
• Upskilling of other Process Engineers/ Plant Personnel.
• Be a leader in driving positive change on site, by regular interaction on site. Positively influencing site culture and safety.
• Investigate all plant failures, perform root cause analysis and report all findings
• Ensure the correct samples are taken at the prescribed intervals
• Liaise with external laboratories
• Making observations and taking measurements directly, as well as collecting and interpreting data from the other technical and operating staff involved;
• Initiate and implement cost saving initiatives.
• Preparing reports, flow diagrams and charts
• Actively contributes to the building of a safety culture within the group. Contributes to safety reporting of events and VCL’s.
• Assist with standby and call-out duties as and when required.
• Interact with Clients and suppliers, representing the best interest of the company.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

QUALIFICATIONS

• Matric (Grade 12) or an equivalent qualification registered at NQF Level 4, including relevant NATED courses (e.g., N3 Certificate)
• Degree or Diploma in Chemical Engineering is essential
• BSc Honours in Water/Wastewater Sciences/Water Utilisation will be an added advantage
• Driver’s license and access to own transportation

EXPERIENCE

• At least 5 years’ experience in water purification and waste water treatment plants and the associated equipment and unit processes
• At least 1 year Plant Operations experience
• At least 1 year Plant design experience – pump selection, pipe design, Process flow diagrams
• At least 2 years Development of plant operations procedures

JOB RELATED KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED

• Water treatment unit processes and treatment options
• Analyse plant performance data and water quality to assess how to operate the plant and intervene where necessary
• General knowledge of mechanical, electrical and instrumentation fields and engineering good practice
• Collate and report on all plant performance using water quality data results
• Process control, Plant and Equipment Controls

JOB RELATED COMPETENCIES

• Analytical skills and ability to problem solve plant issues and correct deviations
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to work independently and efficiently
• Report writing skills
• Ability to identify factors that can inhibit physical, chemical and biological processes in water and wastewater treatment
• Willingness to travel to remote sites is essential – significant time will be spent on site
• Ability to interact with various stakeholders, Clients, Staff, Suppliers etc.