SUMMARY:
Job Title: Junior Production Engineer
Location: Western Cape - Worcester
Industry: Water Treatment, Effluent Treatment & Water Reclamation
Type: Fixed-Term Contract / Environment: Technical & Plant-Based
About the Role
Our client, a recognized specialist in industrial water and wastewater solutions, is seeking a qualified and motivated Junior Production Engineer for a fixed-term contract (end date 31 July 2027) based in Worcester. Reporting to the Plant Manager, this role serves as the site technical process lead at a continuous 24/7 industrial effluent treatment and water reclamation facility comprising anaerobic digestion (CSTR), biogas production, decanters, biological treatment, MBR, and RO systems. You will carry technical process authority on-site, provide operational guidance to the shift Process Controllers, and act as second-in-command to the Plant Manager.
POSITION INFO:
What you'll be doing Primary Function - Technical Process Leadership & Plant Optimization Act as the site technical process authority, monitoring plant health, troubleshooting deviations, and driving process optimization initiatives across unit operations. Monitor and optimize the anaerobic digestion process (organic loading rates, temperature, pH, VFA\/alkalinity, and biogas yields) and biological treatment systems. Compile and verify process calculations (hydraulic\/organic loading, retention times, flux, recovery, and mass balances) to identify and eliminate plant inefficiencies. Interpret daily laboratory test results and effluent quality trends to adjust chemical dosing regimes and process set points. Primary Function - Operations Support & Team Coaching Lead, guide, and upskill shift Process Controllers on technical process decisions, operational tasks, and routine coaching. Take operational responsibility for plant performance and site safety when the Plant Manager is off-site or unavailable. Collaborate with the Maintenance and Plant Managers to safely isolate, prepare, and return process units to service during planned maintenance. Enforce strict site safety, PTOs, Task Risk Assessments, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and SHE compliance at all times. Secondary Function - Documentation, Reporting & Data Management Act as site custodian of engineering records, P&IDs, process flow diagrams, control philosophies, and datasheets. Track chemical consumption, manage inventory, and monitor operational costs of treatment. Compile and distribute daily operational performance reports and support the rollout of site automation and remote digital monitoring tools. What you'll need Education: B.Eng or BTech in Chemical Engineering. Experience: 1-3 years' working experience in an engineering or production\/process plant environment. Technical Exposure: Prior experience or exposure to Anaerobic Digestion, Biogas systems, Biological Treatment, Membrane Bioreactors (MBR), Reverse Osmosis (RO), precipitation, or clarification is highly advantageous. Analytical Skills: Strong ability to execute mass balances, perform hydraulic\/organic process calculations, and translate raw data into corrective actions. Licensing & Transport: Valid Code B driver's license and own reliable vehicle (essential). Compliance & Medical: Clear criminal record and medically fit to pass mandatory site medical fitness assessments. Availability & Location: Willingness to support a 24\/7 continuous operation (including standby\/call-outs) and residing in or willing to relocate to Worcester, Western Cape. What is in it for you? Salary: R30,000 - R35,000 CTC per month (dependent on experience). Duration: Fixed-Term Contract ending 31 July 2027. Impact: Hands-on technical leadership over advanced industrial water reclamation, anaerobic digestion, and biogas production technologies. Growth: Mentorship and experience acting as second-in-command on an active production and reclamation facility. A Few Things to Know This role is 100% plant-based on-site in Worcester, Western Cape. You will report directly to the Plant Manager. Success in this role requires a proactive problem-solver with strong technical aptitude who can lead shift controllers and maintain strict operational and water quality KPIs Ready to Apply? Click Apply and please complete your application in full. If you don't hear from us within 3 months, your application was not successful. However, we may contact you for other roles in the future (with your permission). Data Privacy Notice By applying, you consent to Elchemie processing your personal data for the purpose of job matching. Your data will be securely stored and shared only with trusted service providers and clients.
