Junior Process Engineer

SUMMARY:
A Process Engineer creates innovative techniques to convert raw materials into useful products and improves existing machinery, equipment, and workflows.

POSITION INFO:

Junior Process Engineer

Role Overview

• Location: Paarl, Western Cape, South Africa

• Department: Engineering

• Technical Manager: Senior Process Engineer

• Administrative Manager: Process Engineering Manager

• Direct Subordinates: None

Position Purpose

A Process Engineer creates innovative techniques to convert raw materials into useful products and improves existing machinery, equipment, and workflows. In this role, responsibilities centre primarily on water treatment processes, including testing and examining machinery to preserve quality, as well as conducting research and data analysis to advance equipment and technology.

Requirements & Competencies

Education & Experience

• Qualifications: BSc or BEng in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, or Metallurgical Engineering.

• Experience: Prior internship experience is ideal, though not mandatory.

Core Skills & Traits

• Strong passion for modern engineering methodologies and technologies.

• Capability to hit project deadlines while staying within cost limits.

• High level of self-sufficiency, accountability, and organization.

• Results-driven and innovative thinker with an entrepreneurial mindset.

• Dedicated to technical problem resolution within multi-disciplinary teams.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Key Responsibilities & Performance Indicators

1. Process Design (30% Time Allocation)

• Assist in engineering design from initial concept through to detailed design phases.

• Size and design primary pieces of process equipment.

• Draft critical process documentation, including Process Descriptions, Control Philosophies, P&IDs, and Equipment Datasheets.

• Develop technical specifications for vendor packages and manage clarifications during commercial adjudication of supplier proposals.

• Participate in design review meetings, HAZOP sessions, and model reviews to provide process inputs.

2. Facility Commissioning (30% Time Allocation)

• Contribute to commissioning activities across water treatment plant installations.

• Execute process punching, dry commissioning (including software testing with ECI engineers/contractors), wet commissioning, and hot commissioning under the guidance of a Senior Process Engineer.

3. Data Analysis & Quality (10% Time Allocation)

• Track and manage production data analysis, deliver key reports, and refine assessment methods.

• Build custom Excel tools to analyse complex customer specifications efficiently.

• Collaborate with IT to implement online reporting tools and eliminate paper printing.

• Perform process and product failure investigations, analyse data, draft reports, and execute corrective actions.

• Apply experimental design and data analysis techniques to ongoing process development.

4. Process Equipment Management (10% Time Allocation)

• Define technical specifications and procure instruments, controls, and equipment for water treatment plants.

• Monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot process equipment to meet exact production targets.

• Author process specifications for major equipment to support detailed engineering efforts by consultants and internal teams.

• Generate technical specifications for vendor packages.

5. System Troubleshooting & Optimization (10% Time Allocation)

• Evaluate process data via simulation software to pinpoint bottlenecks and supply recommendations for process optimization.

• Troubleshoot manufacturing systems to boost overall operational efficiency.

6. Continuous Improvement (10% Time Allocation)

• Stay up to date with new developments in the project engineering field.

• Propose actionable solutions to improve efficiency, control costs, and enhance service during project execution.

• Support personal growth and the continuous improvement of colleagues and subordinates.