Shift Charge Engineer - RO Plant (Umluj - Red Sea)

Position Overview

ACWA Operations, a subsidiary of ACWA Power, is seeking a highly skilled and proactive Shift Charge Engineer – RO Plant (Umluj - Red Sea) to join our dynamic team at the Marafiq Red Sea Project. This pivotal role is responsible for overseeing the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of the Reverse Osmosis (RO) plant within a state-of-the-art integrated utilities infrastructure. As part of a landmark greenfield initiative, this position plays a critical role in delivering sustainable water solutions to support Saudi Arabia’s premier tourism destination along the Red Sea coast.

About ACWA Operations

ACWA Operations is the operations and maintenance arm of ACWA Power, dedicated to ensuring the dependability and efficiency of essential services such as power generation and water desalination. With a strong presence across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, we specialize in maintaining complex infrastructure that powers communities and sustains economies. Our expertise spans commissioning, asset management, preventive and corrective maintenance, technical support, and continuous performance improvement. By maximizing asset availability and upholding the highest safety and quality standards, we contribute directly to ACWA’s mission of delivering sustainable, affordable energy and water solutions that enhance people’s lives and strengthen communities worldwide.

About the Marafiq Red Sea Project

The Marafiq Red Sea Project is a transformative greenfield initiative developed by ACWA Power in partnership with Red Sea Global. Under a 25-year Utilities Concession Agreement, ACWA Power is responsible for the development, construction, operation, and eventual transfer of a fully integrated, off-grid utilities infrastructure. This project includes a 340 MWac solar PV plant paired with one of the world’s largest captive-scale battery energy storage systems (1,000–1,200 MWh), enabling a 24/7 clean energy supply. Additionally, the project encompasses seawater desalination (up to 32,500 m³/day), wetlands-based sewage treatment (16,000 m³/day), district cooling (32,500 RT), and zero-landfill waste management (~11,775 t/year). As a Shift Charge Engineer, you will be at the forefront of ensuring the seamless operation of the RO plant, a critical component of this integrated system.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership: Oversee all plant operation activities during your shift, ensuring adherence to approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), quality standards, and regulatory requirements. Responsible for the safe startup and shutdown of the plant in accordance with established protocols.
• Safety and Compliance: Ensure strict compliance with safety rules and regulations, maintaining full awareness of potential hazards in the plant. Familiarize yourself with plant O&M agreements, P&IDs, SOPs, work instructions, operation and control logics, emergency procedures, and regulatory requirements. Prioritize the safety of personnel, equipment, and the environment.
• Coordination and Communication: Act as a liaison between all departments to coordinate activities related to plant operations during your shift. Ensure compliance with safety rules and maintain a thorough understanding of the permit-to-work system. Issue and cancel permits as authorized, and coordinate activities involving plant chemistry with the Chemist.
• Production and Efficiency: Follow preset operational schedules to achieve targeted production availability safely and efficiently. Coordinate all activities or changes in plant status with the Operations Manager. Make timely, informed decisions to correct abnormalities or disturbances, and take corrective actions during emergencies.
• Technical Oversight: Supervise start-up checklists, interlock checks, protection tests, and non-routine activities such as preservation and acid cleaning. Upon authorization, issue work permits for the maintenance section involved, ensuring all activities are conducted in a controlled and safe manner.

Qualifications and Experience

To excel in this role, you must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Chemical, or Electrical Engineering, or a related field. A minimum of 5 years of experience in water desalination plant operations, preferably in a leadership or supervisory capacity, is required. Proficiency in Reverse Osmosis (RO) plant operations, including familiarity with SOPs, P&IDs, and emergency procedures, is essential. Strong decision-making skills, the ability to work under pressure, and excellent communication and coordination abilities are critical for success in this position.

Why Join Us?

As a Shift Charge Engineer at ACWA Operations, you will be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to delivering sustainable and innovative solutions. You will have the opportunity to work on a landmark project that supports Saudi Arabia’s vision for a greener future while advancing your career in a dynamic and challenging environment. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on communities and the environment.