Astron Energy Vacancies

To apply, click on the link at the end of the posts and all the best with your applications.

Specialist – Site Remediation

The Site Remediation Specialist (SRS) is responsible for the management of Environmental Liability primarily associated with soil and groundwater contamination. This includes project management of remediation projects as well as environmental due diligence work during site divestments or acquisitions.

Purpose of Job / Role Intent:

Management of Environmental Liability primarily associated with soil and groundwater contamination:

The Site Remediation Specialist (SRS) is responsible for project management of remediation projects as well as for environmental due diligence work during site divestments or acquisitions according to the Astron Energy property transfer processes.

The SRS covers work on the environmental remediation portfolios for the Retail Network (Retail and C&I), Logistics including Lubricants and Aviation. In this function, the SRS has close involvement with following up and managing contaminated sites and estimating environmental liabilities. Thus also the SRS has good overview of the environmental liability issues in his area/country of responsibility.

The SRS communicates on a regular basis, – at a minimum quarterly – with the relevant stakeholders of the BU’s in the organizations described above. He/She does so to inventory any new discoveries of contamination and/or additions or reductions in liability costs for known sites, and adds these sites to a project list (the ERE report – Environmental Remediation Expense Report/liability sheet). This ERE report encompasses all known contaminated sites for a given country, as well as a per site estimates of the cost for remediation/environmental liabilities of these sites.

The SRS manages Supplier Contracts and ensure that the CHESM requirements are met.

In his/her function the SRS:

• Is responsible for ensuring collection of information to identify the sites that may have a potential environmental liability and maintain the list of the sites and estimated remediation/life cycle costs in communication with the relevant department “owning” the site/liability.
• Is responsible for maintaining a detail of projected future expenses on a site by site basis and documentation of the assumptions used in developing those estimates.
• Reviews with Marketing/Aviation/Lubricants and Finance in country the status of the sites with the “known” environmental issues and provides the “deterministic” as well as “probabilistic” cost estimates for addressing these liabilities.
• Conducts quarterly reviews of environmental forecasts for reasonableness and accuracy.

• Is responsible for monitoring reserves established to ensure that the balances appropriately reflect the remaining amount of expected future costs.
  • Every time there is an environmental work request, ensures every PO/SO and invoice includes the charge codes and the site number so the financial records can be controlled and tracked to every particular site. 
  • Is responsible for maintaining record of expenditures by site that has been approved to be charged against the reserve.
• Is responsible for identifying billing problems, questionable expenses and any non-reservable cost charged against the reserve balance, identify expenditures exceeding budget or the reserve balance and ensure that billing problems or questionable expenditures are resolved.

• Is responsible for performing a reasonableness review of all current expenses and compare to the budget/forecast of the previous month, ensuring that all only reservable costs are booked against the reserve.
• The SRS is responsible for all Environmental Due Diligence work during property transfers (divestment or new acquisitions), underground storage tanks replacements and site closures.
• The SRS assists the SHEQ Specialists with Emergency Response reporting information related to spills and leaks.
• The SRS advises the business on improvement areas as and when recognised with the aim of preventing new liability. This includes compiling and maintaining a risk classification per site where we own equipment and further assisting our business with drafting and reviewing the maintenance and tank replacement plans  such that risk it is primarily risk driven.
• The SRS places significant importance on stewarding safety with all consultants and contractors and ensure training is provided as and when required.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience required

• BTech/ BSc Degree/BSc Hons Degree or similar
• Subjects to include following types of courses: Hydrogeology, Geology, Environmental Management or similar
• At least 5 years experience in working with contaminated land

Application deadline:

01 March 2025

Junior Process Engineer – Advanced Control (ADCON)

Reporting the the ADCON Lead, provides advanced control, basic control and general Distributed Control System (DCS) support. This includes maintaining existing advanced control applications and supporting Advanced Process Control (APC) revamp projects. Work scope may include Yokogawa DCS and ProSafe Safety Instrumented System (SIS) systems and hardware support, control loop tuning, operator training, and general control project work.

• Provide maintenance support of existing advanced control systems & multi-variable controllers / Dynamic Matrix Controllers (DMCs). Checking of actual against predicted control parameters.  Maintain descriptive documentation of the DMCs.
• Develop and commission new/revamp advanced control systems to improve unit and refinery profitability.  Scope includes improvements in safety and environmental performance.
• Maintain existing and develop new product quality inferentials.
• Provide coaching of console operators as well as Process Engineers on the operation and optimisation of the DMCs.
• Provide technical support to instrumentation (maintenance and projects) on issues relating to DCS and control systems.
• Periodic interface with Information Technology (IT) to maintain DMC hardware.
• Work with planning, business teams and process engineers to ensure advanced control applications are aligned with economic and business goals of the process units across the refinery.
• Liaise with advanced control technology vendors and utilize their services to maximise value for the refinery.
• Facilitate Alarm Objective Analysis workshops to align the rationalization of alarms with the refinery alarm philosophy. 
• Participate in the Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) and Hazard Operability Study (HAZOP) reviews for the process units for the purpose of clarifying control & alarm actions.  Keeping the product service Systems (PSS) alarm management software up to date with consequence and corrective actions.
• Provide guidance & support to the DCS programing functions as they relate to the implementation of advanced control systems and DMC interfaces.

Professional Qualification and Certifications:  Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering

Work Experience:  Minimum 2 years’ work experience would be advantageous.

Knowledge and skills: 

• Ability to communicate across various levels within the organization (Business Team Management, Engineers and Operators).
• Ability to identify control opportunities, set priorities and execute work in a proactive manner.
• Understanding of refinery processes and economics with sound grasp of process engineering fundamentals.
• Basic process control fundamentals and an interest in programing concepts & Yokogawa DCS programing basics.
• Analytical skills with problem solving ability and ability to work independently.

Application deadline:26 February 2025

Contractor – Credit Analyst

Contract End Date – 30/06/2025

The Credit Analyst will be responsible for evaluating the creditworthiness of potential and existing clients, assessing risk factors, and making recommendations to support informed decision-making. This role requires strong financial analysis skills, attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

This is a 3 month contract period.

• Monitor the credit quality of existing clients by reviewing financial updates, conducting periodic reviews, and identifying any emerging risks.
• Stay updated on regulatory requirements, industry best practices, and market trends related to credit risk management.
• Review and interpret complex financial data, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements, to evaluate creditworthiness.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, such as relationship managers and underwriters, to gather information and assess creditworthiness.
• Prepare written credit reports summarizing key findings, risk factors, and recommended credit terms for review by senior management.
• Mentor and provide guidance to junior analysts, fostering their professional development and contributing to team growth.
• Team player, prepared to work flexibly with various stakeholders.
• Assess the financial health and credit risk of clients by analyzing historical financial performance, industry trends, and market conditions.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of credit analyses, decisions, and portfolio reviews.
• Conduct thorough credit analysis on prospective borrowers, including reviewing financial statements, credit reports, and other relevant documentation.
• Assist in the development and implementation of credit policies, procedures, and risk management strategies.
• Stay updated on regulatory requirements and industry best practices related to credit risk management.
   

Professional Qualification and Certifications: 

Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field and or relevant experience (Credit experience of 5 years and more)

Work Experience: 

• Previous experience in credit analysis (critical), financial analysis, or related roles is preferred.
• Previous experience of the Sap4 Hana platform (strongly preferred) and harnessing that understanding in reconciling customers’ account, as well as Credit collection and Credit Reporting.
• Experience in Petrochemical Preferred

Knowledge and skills:

• Strong understanding of financial analysis techniques, credit risk assessment methodologies, and lending principles;
• Proficiency in financial modelling and spreadsheet software (e.g., Excel), with the ability to analyze large datasets and extract meaningful insights;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex concepts in a clear and concise manner;
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and build positive relationships with clients;
• Detail-oriented approach, with a commitment to accuracy and thoroughness in all work activities; and
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities effectively.

Area Maintenance Lead

Reporting to the Lead, Mechanical Services in the Reliability and Maintenance department at Cape Town Refinery, the Area Maintenance Lead (AML) Leads the effective utilization of all resources (financial, materials, manpower, contractors, and services) to ensure the safe and efficient execution of maintenance to all the refinery assets for the Area (North, South or Blending & Shipping). Supervises two direct reports.
• Major pitstops and plant upsets:
Area maintenance lead (AML) must lead the effort to return the plant(s) back to service during plant upset such as a coking event or an equipment failure. These are time dependent, have high visibility and require solutions which have a quick turnaround time.
• Resolve major plant threats:
The AML must provide solutions to major threats to the plant and lead the effort to resolving those issues before the threat is realised. Eg. Hotspot repairs, hot taps on live lines.
• Personnel management in complex environments :
The AML must manage a wide range of challenges between functional disciplines, operations and management in a way that produces results timeously. This includes employing a wide range of soft skills techniques to motivate individuals and influence results.

• Prioritization decisions: with limited resources the AML must assist the operations lead in determining which jobs take priority when there is a conflict. E.g. management of break-in work when the weekly schedule is full.
• The AML must make recommendations to the business teams and to senior management on challenges that have more than one solution taking safety, cost, schedule and short/long term implications in mind. E.g. should 1 pump be replaced or 2 pumps, or should we repair the existing pumps or do nothing? The AML must be able to navigate such technical complexities by analysing available data to produce recommendations.

Ensure that the highest industry standards are met through following the company procedures and manufacturer specifications. Ensure work is carried out in such a way as to meet the scheduling, quality and safety requirements and to maximise refinery availability.

Becomes the legally appointed competent person, the General Machinery Regulations (GMR 2(7)), for the respective area to ensure that Supervision of Machinery in area of responsibility is according to the OHSact and its regulations.  They sign an appointment letter, holding them accountable for all mechanical integrity of work carried out in their area.  The GMR 2(7) approves the work to be done or paused, based on Inspection recommendations.  Lead, Mechanical Services is GMR 2(7) for the full site, whereas AML is accountable for their Area. 

Directs and supervises Astron and contractor work teams. Exhibit strong leadership skills to optimise team performance. Set expectations and targets for direct reports and contractor staff. Identify training needs for direct reports and contractor staff using appropriate Astron processes and tools.

Manages individual performance according to the Astron performance management process (PMP) and performance expectations set by the Refinery Scorecard.

Manages work execution through strict safety guidelines. Stewards Astron Energy safety initiatives with the direct reports and work teams, safety functions include safety talks, safe work practice audits (SWP), Loss Prevention Observations (LPO), Near Loss Investigation (NLI) and incident investigations. Fosters and promotes incident and injury free behaviours in the work group, including Mechanical Contractors.

Ensures schedule attainment through the management of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for allocated plant areas.  Management of Emergency Work Orders (EWO) and Schedule breakers.  Manage and optimally control work backlogs via effective resource allocation, job assignment and execution work. Communicates progress timeously to stakeholders.

Manage and execute maintenance related projects. Including MOC (Management of Change) activities, project funding applications, contractor manpower management and management of execution activities.

Accountable for the input to and control of the annual budget related to this position. Manage all maintenance activities in the allocated business area ensuring expenditures are within the approved annual OPEX and CAPEX budgets.

Interface with other functional departments to implement operational and facility improvement initiatives always promoting teamwork and collaboration.

Effectively communicate and participate using a regular management briefing sessions and provide timeous feedback.

Responsibilities within the Business Teams:

• Responsible to the Business Team for Maintenance performance
• Responsible for completion of maintenance consistent with Business Team Plans and Budget: complete PMs, tasks and repairs defined in Annual Plan, perform work consistent with cost estimates in order to meet budget.
• Responsible for effective response to prevent production losses: provide repair consistent with defined scope and defined due date (Latest date acceptable respond to changing priorities based upon business need
• Responsible (with Reliability Lead) for advising Business Team on actions required to meet Annual Budget: perform analysis of spend and associated risk of remaining worklist, recommend actions required to manage risk and meet budgets.
• Responsible for driving Maintenance Functional Excellence: deliver quality repairs consistent with business needs through efficient planning, scheduling, and execution, trained and competent craftsmen and supervisors and effective business controls.
• Responsible for fostering teamwork and alignment of Maintenance, including scheduling and planning, with Operations, Technical and Engineering in support of the Business Team
• Responsible for working with the Business Team to eliminate Barriers to efficient maintenance work (Works in close relationship with the Operations Maintenance Coordinator – OMC – to identify and remove barriers that reduce contractors’ productivity).
• The incumbent requires a working knowledge of all the technical disciplines in order to make sense of the complexities of cross-disciplinary work / delivery to maintain safety and integrity at all times.  This is a new requirement due to the Business Teams Focus. They are the driving seat (focal point and contact) for all Routine Maintenance Work within the Area including
  • Rotating Equipment & Machinery
  • Electrical Work
  • Instrumentation
  • Civil (Steel Structure, Concrete, Underground, Roads & Places)
  • Mechanical
• Signs off some Technical Aspects of Work Permits where they have the expertise (e.g. Rigging study, single isolation against a block valve)
• Co-operative challenge of Work Prioritisation & together with Operations Lead. Joint assignment of priorities according to Risk profile (has an Agree on work prioritisation)
• Key contact for SAP Maintenance planning & scheduling and budgeting (together with the Reliability Lead)
• Execute the short/ mid/ long term Maintenance & Reliability Strategies
• Collaborates intensively with Reliability & Inspection on:
  • Strategies for technical improvement of asset
  • Bad actor identification & elimination
• Validates spare part strategies including storage strategies for material & goods
• Co-ordination of Maintenance execution activities. Key contact for any project execution.
• Key Contact on all maintenance work as defined by Solomon Study definitions.
• Application of quality assurance tasks for maintenance incl. Quality Performance delivery of assigned execution contractors.
• Ensuring the correct contractor efficiency – Tools in hand controls to check efficiency of contractors for their Business Team
• Input in contract strategy when contracts are being negotiated or re-negotiated.

Maintenance Projects (CAPEX & OPEX) – Responsible for applying for Capex/funding application, management of change (MOCs), resource management.  Opex & Capex Budget planning & management (actuals versus planned), aligned with Capital Projects & Finance Processes. 

For maintenance projects, the AML is responsible for project approval application through the Project Prioritisation Committee (PPC) and Manpower approval application to the Manpower Committee which is made up of Refinery Leadership Team (RLT) members, and financial reporting via Capital Projects on project execution spend.

• Professional Qualification and Certification
• Minimum of B.Tech qualification (B.Eng Mechanical Degree preferred)
• GCC Qualification (advantage)
• Work Experience:
• B.Tech – Minimum 10 years’ work experience
• B.Eng / B.Sc – Minimum 8 years work experience
• Experience in Maintenance advantageous.
• Experience in petrochemical industry, of which 2 years in project management is preferred.
• Knowledge; skills and competencies:
• Knowledge of ASTM, ASME and API codes and standards, OHS Act and regulations.
• Capital project experience
• Financial acumen, budgeting and costing experience.
• Able to read and understand system maps and process P&ID’s.
• Working knowledge of SAP, Maximo and Ariba, SMARTPLANT
• Proficient with MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Good presentation, communication, and written skills
• Good technical skills on equipment including pipelines, valves, boilers, furnaces, heat exchangers, loading arms, among others.
• Familiar with maintenance/construction planning, process safety information, management of change process, engineering work orders.
• Problem solving during execution to establish quick turnaround.  
• Proven leadership skills.

Application deadline:02 March 2025

Rotating Equipment Fitter / Mechanical Technician

Reporting to the Workshop Coordinator, and working in a team of trade tested Rotating Equipment Fitters, the role is accountable for safely executing repairs to all Refinery mechanical assets, whilst meeting the highest industry standards through following the Astron energy procedures and manufacturers specification. Work is carried out in such a way as to meet the scheduling, quality and safety requirements related to the refinery rotating equipment.

• Accountable for safely executing repairs to all Refinery mechanical assets, whilst meeting the highest industry standards through following the Astron energy procedures and manufacturers specification. Work is carried out in such a way as to meet the scheduling, quality and safety requirements related to the refinery rotating equipment, including
  • Centrifugal pumps (end suction, split casing, double suction
  • Multistage pumps and High Head low flow.
  • Steam turbines (Terry, Elliott, Coppus).
  • Reciprocating compressors (Peter Brotherhood, Ingersoll-Rand, Nouvo Pignone).
  • Positive Displacement Pumps (Reciprocating pumps, gearboxes, tank mixes, Diaphragm Pumps).
  • Gear Pumps.
  Specific Knowledge
  • Assembly of precision components
  • In-depth knowledge on types of bearings handling and installation.
  • Knowledge on mechanical seals and seal flush plans.
  • Read, comprehend and interpret general arrangement drawings of rotating equipment, understand technical terminology and developments and know how to apply a technical skill or procedure.
  • Support to bring rotating equipment online.
  • Competent use of specialized equipment- but not restricted to – Laser alignment equipment, balancing machines, hydraulic torqueing equipment and Pressure Safety Valves ( PSV) integrity testing equipment.
  • Communicates progress timeously to immediate supervisor and operations supervisor.
  • Follows and promotes safe work practices. This includes conducting safety observations, permit audits, plant walkabouts and relevant LPS (Loss Prevention System) processes.
  • Supervises Astron Energy employees and contractor work teams when assigned. Demonstrates strong teamwork skills to optimize performance.
  • Coach and mentor learners and less experienced co-workers.
  Duties
  • Repairs are carried out as per Quality Control Plan (QCP) and documented on equipment history file.
  • Lock-Out Tag-Out (LOTO) Procedures followed to ensure safe work practices to safeguard Plant and People.
  • 4-Senses (Look, Listen, Feel, Smell) of equipment as part of equipment surveys
  • Carry out standby duties and shift work when required.
  • Responsible for the application of systematic tools and methods to identify the root cause of mechanical equipment failures.
  • Basic troubleshooting and fault finding.
  • Conducts 5 WHY investigations in order to determine appropriate corrective actions.
  • Takes ownership of the repair process to ensure optimized

Professional Qualification and Certifications:  Minimum N3 or equivalent AND Fitter Trade Test (Red Seal)

Work Experience: Minimum 5 years’ maintenance experience in Petrochemical Environment (Preference toward Rotating Equipment experience)

Code 8 driver`s license

Knowledge and skills: Flange Management, Basic Rigging, Single and multistage centrifugal pumps, turbines, reciprocating compressors and gearbox.  Handling and transportation of sensitive equipment.

Strictly adhering to QCP’s and LOTO procedures

Developing and work according to a risk assessed method statements.

Application deadline:28 February 2025

Electrician

Reporting to the Electrical Coordinator (Supervisor), conducts repairs and maintenance to electrical equipment including motors, switchgear and power distribution system in a petrochemical refinery. We would ideally like to hire a Senior Electrician with Refining Experience and a proven track record. The position is available due to current incumbent going on Retirement.

Conducts repairs and maintenance to electrical equipment including motors, switchgear and power distribution system in a petrochemical refinery.

Active support, commitment and promotion of the Refinery Environment, Health and Safety initiatives, in particular, adherence to Electrical Safe Work Practices

Operating and working knowledge of trade related, ie:  equipment, materials and consumables

Assessment of appropriate repair requirements for refinery electrical equipment

Quality Control:  Ensure quality management principles are enforced in execution of all electrical work by self and 3rd party vendors.

Professional Qualification and Certifications: 

• Electrical qualification: Minimum N3 certification + apprenticeship with Trade Test Certificate. (RED SEAL)
• Driver’s licence
• Minimum 5 years’ maintenance electrical experience
• Petro-chemical experience a strong Advantage

Work Experience:

• Assists and mentors Electrical Apprentices during fault finding activities
• Carries out complex Electrical fault finding, troubleshooting and maintenance activities.
• Develops method statements and procedures for repair work together with SMEs (Subject Matter Experts).
• Conducts LPOs (Loss Prevention Observations) on peer group work activities.
• Assigned to investigate Electrical related incidents during 5-Why investigations.
• Performs periodic after hours’ Electrical standby duties, duration 1 week, as determined by number of Electricians available on the standby roster. 
• Participates in daily LPS group discussions and Toolbox talks at the commencement of shift
• Carries out LV & MV Isolations

Knowledge and skills:

• Available to do after-hours standby duty (x7 days), with reliable car.
• Fit to work at heights
• Medium Voltage switching experience – up to 11kV
• Knowledge of UPS, Power Supply and Battery Charging systems
• A basic knowledge of LV and MV transformers.
• The ability to read, comprehend & interpret electrical schematic and wiring diagrams
• Knowledge of LV and MV Induction motors
• Experience on Actom and ABB Switch Gear
• Ability to independently solve Problems
• Assessment and application of appropriate repair requirements for refinery electrical equipment

Application deadline:21 February 2025

Click here to apply

We wish you all the best with your applications