Shift Charge Engineer - RO Plant

Position Overview

As a Shift Charge Engineer - RO Plant at ACWA Operations, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the reliable, safe, and efficient operation of our Reverse Osmosis (RO) desalination plant within the Rabigh 4 IWP project. This critical position reports directly to the Operations Manager and is responsible for overseeing all operational activities during your assigned shift, maintaining adherence to stringent safety, quality, and environmental standards. Your leadership will be instrumental in sustaining plant performance, optimizing production availability, and supporting the seamless execution of maintenance and emergency response procedures.

Key Responsibilities

The Shift Charge Engineer will be entrusted with the following core responsibilities:

• Operational Leadership: Oversee the safe and efficient startup, shutdown, and continuous operation of the RO plant in strict compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), quality standards, and regulatory requirements. Ensure all activities are conducted with minimal risk to personnel, equipment, and the environment.
• Safety and Compliance: Uphold the highest safety standards by strictly adhering to all safety rules, hazard awareness protocols, and environmental regulations. Maintain a thorough understanding of plant O&M agreements, P&IDs, SOPs, work instructions, emergency operation procedures, and permit-to-work systems. Issue, monitor, and cancel permits to work as authorized, ensuring all activities comply with safety protocols.
• Coordination and Communication: Act as the primary point of contact for all departments during your shift, coordinating activities related to plant operations, maintenance, and chemistry. Collaborate closely with the Chemist to ensure optimal water quality and treatment processes. Relay critical information to the Operations Manager and maintain clear, accurate records of all shift activities in the logbook and daily plant status reports.
• Emergency Response and Troubleshooting: Demonstrate quick decision-making and problem-solving skills to address abnormalities, disturbances, or emergency situations promptly. Supervise non-routine activities such as equipment preservation, acid cleaning, and post-maintenance normalization. Conduct interlock checks, protection tests, and startup checklist verifications to ensure operational integrity.
• Performance Monitoring and Reporting: Continuously monitor the overall status of the plant, including equipment performance, production targets, and maintenance activities. Generate detailed reports summarizing shift activities, incidents, and corrective actions taken. Maintain accurate staff evaluation records and contribute to performance improvement initiatives.

Ideal Candidate Profile

We seek a highly motivated and technically proficient professional with a strong background in RO desalination plant operations. The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and attributes:

• Technical Expertise: Proven experience in operating and maintaining RO desalination plants, with in-depth knowledge of SOPs, P&IDs, and emergency procedures. Familiarity with water chemistry, treatment processes, and permit-to-work systems is essential.
• Leadership and Communication: Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to coordinate cross-functional teams, delegate tasks, and maintain clear communication channels. Strong interpersonal skills to foster collaboration with operations, maintenance, and chemistry teams.
• Safety and Compliance Focus: A steadfast commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and regulatory compliance. Ability to identify hazards, implement corrective actions, and ensure adherence to all safety protocols.
• Problem-Solving and Decision-Making: Demonstrated ability to make critical decisions under pressure, troubleshoot operational issues, and implement effective solutions to maintain plant reliability and efficiency.
• Documentation and Reporting: Proficiency in maintaining accurate records, generating detailed reports, and ensuring all operational activities are properly documented for audits and performance reviews.

About ACWA Operations

ACWA Operations, formerly NOMAC, is the operations and maintenance arm of ACWA Power, a global leader in delivering sustainable energy and water solutions. With a presence across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, we specialize in ensuring the reliability and efficiency of complex infrastructure assets, including power generation and water desalination plants. Our mission is to provide essential services that power communities, sustain economies, and enhance quality of life. By maximizing asset availability, enhancing resilience, and upholding the highest safety and quality standards, we contribute directly to ACWA Power’s vision of advancing people’s lives through sustainable solutions.

Join our dynamic team and be part of a mission-driven organization that values performance, accountability, and innovation. As a Shift Charge Engineer, you will have the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the reliability and efficiency of our RO desalination plant, ensuring the delivery of clean water to communities that depend on it.