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 .