Junior Production Engineer, Worcester

We are seeking a Junior Production Engineer for a permanent vacancy based in Worcester, Western Cape Applicants are required to meet the following criteria:

• Eng or BTech in Chemical Engineering with 1 - 3 years working experience in an engineering or production related field would be preferred
• Computer skills:
  Word, Excel, data base, power point and e-mail literacy
• Preferably experienced in Anaerobic Digestion & Biological treatment, RO, M , Precipitation, Clarification; relevant experience will be an advantage
• Sound ability to perform and interpret process calculations and mass balances, and to translate plant data into corrective and optimisation action
• Ability to compile, control and maintain technical and engineering documentation to a high standard
• Willingness and ability to lead, guide and develop a shift-based team of Process Controllers
• Practical understanding of biogas systems and the associated process and safety risks advantageous
• Be a fast learner and able to work with little supervision
• Valid code B drivers' licence and have own reliable transport
• Solution and improvement focused;
  Effective time management skills with a sense of urgency
• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with stakeholders
• Ability to multi-task and work under pressure
• Willingness to support a continuous 24/7 operation, including standby / callouts when required
• Residing in or willing to relocate to the Worcester area

• Act as the technical process authority on site, providing process and operational expertise to the plant team.
• Lead, guide and develop the Process Controllers on all process matters, including work allocation on process tasks, technical coaching, training and verification of process decisions taken on shift
• Take operational responsibility for plant performance and wellbeing when the Plant Manager is off site or unavailable, whilst ensuring safe and efficient operations of the plant(s).
• Act as custodian of all engineering and process documentation for the site, including process flow diagrams, P&IDs, equipment lists, datasheets, design documents, control philosophies and technical registers, and ensure all are current, controlled and correctly filed.
• Compile, verify and maintain all process calculations for the works, including hydraulic and organic loading, retention times, dosing rates, flux and recovery calculations, and biogas yield calculations.
• Develop, maintain and interpret mass balances to identify losses, inefficiencies and optimisation opportunities.
• Own, drive and report on all optimisation and continuous improvement initiatives for the site, from identification and motivation through to implementation and verification of the benefit realised.
• Monitor and evaluate plant health and performance and take appropriate action to keep the plant operating at optimum performance.
• Monitor, control and optimise the anaerobic digestion process (organic loading rate, temperature, pH, VFA / alkalinity, biogas yield) and act on all deviations.
• Drive plant performance against the contractual KPI's, including water recovery, biogas production, plant availability and utilisation.
• Interpret daily on-site laboratory results and effluent quality trends, and adjust process set points and dosing regimens accordingly.
• Compile and distribute daily plant operational performance reports to internal and external stakeholders.
• Track chemical consumption, manage chemical stock levels and monitor the cost of treatment, optimising where possible.
• Collaborate effectively with the Maintenance Manager and Plant Manager for planned downtime, ensuring the process is placed in the required state for maintenance to be carried out safely and returned…