Shift Engineer – Sulphate of Potash (SOP) Plant

Atta Chemicals (Pvt.) Limited, a reputable chemical manufacturing company established in 2008, is expanding its operations with a new Sulphate of Potash (SOP) production facility based on the Mannheim process. Located in Multan, Punjab, the company is seeking two experienced Shift Engineers to manage and oversee production operations at this continuous-process chemical plant. The role demands technical expertise, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to independently handle shift operations to ensure smooth and efficient plant performance while maintaining safety and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities
- Supervise and manage all SOP plant operations during assigned shifts to ensure continuous production.
- Monitor and control Mannheim furnace parameters such as temperature, raw material feed rates, reaction conditions, and overall production output.
- Maintain consistent product quality and operational efficiency throughout the shift.
- Oversee the handling and consumption of key raw materials including Muriate of Potash (MOP/KCl) and Sulphuric Acid.
- Coordinate with the coal gasifier team to ensure a stable supply of fuel gas to the Mannheim furnaces.
- Monitor HCl gas handling systems, absorption units, cooling water circulation, and related equipment.
- Lead and supervise plant operators, technicians, and helpers to ensure smooth shift operations.
- Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve process abnormalities, equipment malfunctions, and production interruptions promptly.
- Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation teams for preventive and corrective maintenance activities.
- Enforce strict compliance with plant safety protocols, especially those related to concentrated acids, HCl gas, high-temperature equipment, and combustible gases.
- Maintain accurate and detailed shift reports, production records, raw material consumption logs, equipment status, and downtime documentation.
- Coordinate with the quality control laboratory to ensure SOP product specifications are consistently met.
- Facilitate proper shift handovers and communicate operational issues effectively to plant management.
- Support plant commissioning, performance optimization, and the implementation of standard operating procedures.
- Identify opportunities to enhance production efficiency, reduce material losses, and minimize downtime.

Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
- Minimum of 3 years’ relevant experience in chemical manufacturing, fertilizer production, or continuous-process industrial plants.
- Strong technical understanding of industrial chemical processes, including equipment such as pumps, blowers, heat exchangers, and furnaces.
- Familiarity with PLC-based control systems, process instrumentation, and industrial automation.
- Practical knowledge of plant safety, emergency response, process monitoring, and troubleshooting techniques.
- Demonstrated leadership, communication, and shift management skills.
- Ability to work independently, make operational decisions, and respond effectively to emergencies.
- Willingness to work rotating shifts in a continuous-operation manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits
Preference will be given to candidates with hands-on experience in Mannheim-process SOP plants or other fertilizer manufacturing facilities. Experience with high-temperature chemical reaction processes, industrial furnaces, HCl absorption and acid handling systems, and coal-gas-fired heating systems is highly desirable. Candidates who have participated in commissioning and operation of newly established chemical plants will be favored.

This is a full-time, on-site position based in Multan. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply with an updated CV that highlights their plant operating experience, familiarity with relevant equipment, and previous shift management responsibilities.