Production and process engineers

Description

Production and process engineers advise on and direct technical aspects of production programmes to ensure cost-effectiveness and efficiency. This unit group incorporates: planning and quality control engineers who plan production schedules, work sequences, and manufacturing and processing procedures to ensure accuracy, quality and reliability; and chemical engineers who undertake research on commercial scale chemical processes and processed products, design and provide specifications and direct the construction, operation, maintenance and repair of chemical plants and control systems.

Qualifications

Typical tasks

• studies existing and alternative production methods, regarding work flow, plant layout, types of machinery and cost;
• recommends optimum equipment and layout and prepares drawings and specifications;
• devises and implements production control methods to monitor operational efficiency;
• investigates and eliminates potential hazards and bottlenecks in production;
• advises management on and ensures effective implementation of new production methods, techniques and equipment;
• liaises with materials buying, storing and controlling departments to ensure a steady flow of supplies;
• undertakes research and develops processes to achieve physical and/or chemical change for oil, pharmaceutical, synthetic, plastic, food and other products;
• designs, controls and constructs process plants to manufacture products.

Common job titles