PURPOSE

• This position exists to provide technical support in the design, operation and optimisation of potable water, sewage and effluent treatment plants. The Junior Process Engineer will assist senior engineers and operations teams with process monitoring, troubleshooting, design reviews, compliance reporting and continuous improvement initiatives.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Process Support

• Assist in monitoring and optimising plant performance for potable water, sewage and industrial effluent treatment systems.
• Conduct daily/weekly process data reviews, mass balances and performance analyses.
• Support troubleshooting of process issues and provide technical recommendations to operations teams.
• Participate in pilot studies and trials of new technologies (e.g., nanobubbles, membranes and compact modular units).

Design & Projects

• Support process design calculations, drawings (PFDs, P&IDs) and basic engineering deliverables.
• Assist in equipment sizing, specification preparation and vendor evaluations.
• Participate in commissioning, testing and handover of new treatment plants.

Compliance & Reporting

• Collect and analyse water quality samples to ensure compliance with SANS 241, Regulation 3630 and other applicable standards.
• Assist in the preparation of monthly compliance and performance reports for clients and regulators.
• Maintain accurate technical documentation, logs and plant records.

SHEQ & Risk Management

• Ensure safe work practices in accordance with OHS Act, MHSA, NEMA and internal SHEQ systems.
• Support implementation of ISO 9001/14001, HACCP/FSSC 22000 (for food and beverage clients).
• Identify and escalate process risks, incidents and non-conformances.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

• BEng/BSc/BTech in Chemical, Process, Water or Environmental Engineering (or equivalent).

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 1-2 years’ experience in the role or similar.
• Knowledge of water treatment processes (potable, sewage, industrial effluent).
• Familiarity with South African water quality standards and regulatory frameworks will be advantageous.
• Basic understanding of water chemistry, biological treatment, membranes, and process control, water treatment process flowsheets, mass balance calculations, equipment specifications, hydraulics and water quality parameters.
• Proficiency in RO process modelling tools (WAVE, IMS Design, MM5) and basic PFD/P&ID exposure is desirable.

SKILLS, QUALITIES AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Proficiency in MS Office suite.
• Ability to analyse trends, identify deviations and recommend corrective actions.
• Communication (written and verbal).
• Reporting.
• Client interaction.
• Troubleshooting.
• Collaboration.