Shift Engineer – Sulphate of Potash (SOP) Plant

Atta Chemicals (Pvt.) Limited, a well-established chemical manufacturer specializing in Sulphuric Acid, Formic Acid, Glauber's Salt, and Sodium Sulphate, 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 SOP plant. The role requires hands-on supervision of plant activities during assigned shifts, ensuring smooth production flow, maintaining process parameters, troubleshooting operational issues, and coordinating with maintenance and quality control teams. Candidates must demonstrate strong technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and the ability to independently handle shift responsibilities in a chemical manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

- Supervise and manage all SOP plant operations during assigned shifts to ensure continuous production.
- Monitor and control Mannheim furnace parameters, including temperature, raw material feed rates, reaction conditions, and production output.
- Maintain consistent SOP product quality and operational efficiency throughout the shift.
- Oversee the handling and consumption of key raw materials such as Muriate of Potash (MOP/KCl) and Sulphuric Acid.
- Coordinate with the coal gasifier team to guarantee a stable fuel gas supply 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 effective shift operations.
- Identify, diagnose, 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 involving 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.
- Work closely with the quality control laboratory to ensure SOP product specifications are consistently met.
- Facilitate proper shift handovers and communicate operational issues to plant management effectively.
- Support plant commissioning, performance optimization, and the implementation of standard operating procedures.
- Identify and recommend improvements 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 of relevant experience in chemical manufacturing, fertilizer production, or continuous-process industrial plants.
- Strong understanding of industrial chemical processes, including process equipment such as pumps, blowers, heat exchangers, furnaces, and material handling systems.
- Familiarity with PLC-based control systems, process instrumentation, and industrial automation.
- Practical knowledge of plant safety standards, emergency response procedures, 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, coal-gas-fired heating systems, and commissioning of newly established chemical plants is highly desirable.

Atta Chemicals offers a dynamic work environment focused on operational excellence, safety, and continuous improvement. Interested candidates with relevant plant operating experience and shift management expertise are encouraged to apply with an updated CV highlighting their technical skills and previous responsibilities.