Job Purpose
Lead and optimize all process engineering activities for the Phosphoric Acid Plant (PAP) to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient production. Provide technical leadership in troubleshooting, process improvement, debottlenecking, and technology development to support stable operations, cost optimization, and longterm asset integrity. Drive continuous improvement initiatives and mentor junior engineers to strengthen technical capability within the Midstream organization.
Key Accountabilities
- Process Performance & Optimization:
- Monitor and analyze plant performance KPIs (yield, conversion efficiency, steam/energy consumption, filtration rates, PO recovery).
- Identify deviations and implement corrective actions to sustain optimal operating conditions.
- Troubleshooting & Technical Support:
- Lead rootcause analysis for process upsets, equipment failures, and quality deviations.
- Provide onthespot technical guidance to operations to restore stable conditions.
- Process Design & Engineering Studies:
- Develop and review process design packages, mass and energy balances, PFDs, P&IDs, and process simulations for modifications, expansions, and debottlenecking projects.
- Safety & Compliance:
- Ensure all process engineering activities comply with Ma'aden safety standards, environmental regulations, and statutory requirements. Lead HAZOP, PHA, and risk assessments for new and existing systems.
- Technology & Best Practices:
- Evaluate new technologies, catalysts, filtration systems, and process control strategies to enhance plant performance. Benchmark against global phosphoric acid producers.
- Project Support:
- Provide process engineering input for CAPEX projects, including scope definition, technical evaluation, commissioning, and performance testing.
- Documentation & Reporting:
- Maintain accurate process documentation, operating manuals, SOPs, and engineering records.
- Prepare technical reports and performance summaries for management.
- Operational Excellence:
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives such as energy optimization, waste minimization, gypsum stack management, and reliability improvements.
- Develop the technical capability of junior engineers and operators through structured coaching, training sessions, and knowledgesharing.
- CrossFunctional Collaboration:
- Work closely with Operations, Maintenance, Technical Services, EHS, and external technology licensors to ensure integrated and efficient plant performance.
Minimum Qualifications, Experience and Competencies
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or Process Engineering (Master's preferred).
- Professional certification or membership in a recognized engineering body is an advantage.
Minimum Experience:
- 812 years of experience in process engineering within chemical, fertilizer, or phosphate industries.
- Minimum 5 years specifically in phosphoric acid production (Dihydrate/Hemihydrate/WetProcess).
- Demonstrated experience in troubleshooting, process optimization, and leading technical studies.
- Experience with process simulation tools (Aspen Plus/HYSYS), statistical analysis, and advanced process control.
Ma'aden High Performance Competencies:
- Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving
- Technical Mastery & Continuous Improvement
- Collaboration & Influencing
- Safety Leadership & Risk Management
- Accountability & Results Orientation
- Developing People & Knowledge Transfer
Skills:
- Strong understanding of wetprocess phosphoric acid chemistry, filtration systems, evaporators, and gypsum handling.
- Expertise in mass/energy balance development, process modeling, and data analytics.
- Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with a structured approach to RCA.
- Excellent communication and technical reporting skills.
- Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage multiple priorities.
- Familiarity with international standards (API, ASME, ISO) and process safety methodologies.
