Shift In-Charge Jobs in Saudi Arabia – Latest Job Opening.

Job Overview

Job Title: Shift Charge Engineer
Location: Saudi Arabia
Department: Plant Operations
Reporting To: Operations Manager
Industry: Power Generation, Desalination and Water Treatment

About the Job

Qudra is seeking an experienced Shift Charge Engineer to oversee plant operations at its facility in Qassim, Saudi Arabia. This opportunity is suitable for qualified engineering professionals with a strong background in power generation, desalination, or reverse osmosis (RO) plants.

The successful candidate will be responsible for supervising daily shift operations, maintaining plant reliability, ensuring compliance with health, safety and environmental standards, and coordinating operational and maintenance activities. The role requires strong technical knowledge, leadership capabilities, and the ability to make critical decisions during normal operations and emergencies.

Candidates with previous experience in Middle Eastern power or desalination plants will have an advantage.

Key Responsibilities of a Shift Charge Engineer

1. Plant Operations and Shift Management

• Supervise and coordinate all plant operating activities during the assigned shift.
• Ensure safe, efficient and reliable plant operations in accordance with approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Manage plant start-up, shutdown and operational transitions according to established procedures.
• Monitor plant performance, equipment conditions and operating parameters to maintain production targets.
• Identify operational abnormalities and take timely corrective action to minimize downtime and operational risks.
• Coordinate changes in plant operating conditions with the Operations Manager.
• Communicate with the Load Dispatch Center regarding plant operations and related requirements.

2. Safety, Risk Management and Emergency Response

• Ensure compliance with plant safety procedures, environmental regulations and applicable legal requirements.
• Identify workplace hazards and ensure appropriate risk assessments and control measures are implemented.
• Respond effectively to emergencies, incidents, near misses and abnormal operating conditions.
• Supervise operational checks, interlock verification, protection testing and other non-routine activities.
• Ensure environmental risks and operational hazards are documented, monitored and controlled.
• Prepare incident and accident reports and submit them to the relevant departments within the required timelines.

3. Maintenance Coordination and Permit-to-Work Management

• Coordinate plant operating activities with maintenance, chemistry and other relevant departments.
• Apply the plant’s Permit-to-Work (PTW) system and issue or cancel work permits within the scope of authorization.
• Ensure equipment is safely isolated, released for maintenance and returned to service following the required checks and authorization.
• Conduct necessary operational tests after maintenance activities to confirm equipment readiness.
• Supervise start-up checklists, equipment interlocks and protection system checks.
• Coordinate specialized activities, including equipment preservation and acid cleaning, in accordance with approved procedures.

4. Documentation and Operational Reporting

• Maintain accurate shift logbooks and records of plant operating conditions.
• Prepare daily plant status reports and communicate significant events to the Operations Manager.
• Document operational deviations, incidents, maintenance activities and corrective actions.
• Maintain staff evaluation records, vacation schedules and other personnel-related documentation.
• Ensure operational records comply with company procedures and regulatory requirements.

5. Quality, Environmental and Management Systems

• Support the implementation and monitoring of the Integrated Management System (IMS).
• Monitor quality, occupational health and safety, and environmental performance objectives.
• Identify non-conformities, investigate root causes and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Ensure compliance with environmental controls, waste management procedures and emission monitoring requirements.
• Participate in Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and Hazard Risk Assessment activities.
• Recommend operational improvements to increase plant efficiency, reliability and safety.

6. Team Leadership and Employee Development

• Supervise shift personnel and coordinate work assignments to ensure smooth plant operations.
• Provide on-the-job training and operational guidance to new employees.
• Identify competency gaps and arrange appropriate training and development activities.
• Conduct periodic performance evaluations for reporting employees.
• Maintain effective communication and promote a strong safety culture among the operations team.

Eligibility Criteria and Qualifications

Educational Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering is mandatory.
• A postgraduate qualification in Engineering or Power Plant Engineering is preferred.

Experience Requirements

• Minimum 8 years of relevant experience in power generation, desalination or reverse osmosis (RO) plant operations.
• Experience in a similar power or desalination facility in the Middle East is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in shift supervision, plant start-up and shutdown, operational troubleshooting, and safety management is desirable.

Required Skills and Technical Knowledge

Candidates should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Strong understanding of power plant, desalination and RO plant operations.
• Knowledge of Standard Operating Procedures, P&IDs, operating logic and emergency procedures.
• Practical knowledge of Permit-to-Work systems and maintenance coordination.
• Understanding of occupational health, safety and environmental management systems.
• Experience in Root Cause Analysis, incident investigation and hazard risk assessment.
• Knowledge of environmental impact assessments, waste disposal and emission monitoring.
• Strong leadership, analytical thinking and decision-making skills.
• Ability to manage emergencies and make effective decisions under pressure.
• Good communication, documentation and reporting skills.

Preferred Certifications and Additional Skills

• Working knowledge of SAP is an advantage.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems.
• Familiarity with ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems.
• Awareness of occupational health and safety management systems, including OHSAS 18001 principles.

Work Location and Conditions

• Job Location: Qassim, Saudi Arabia
• Candidates must be willing to work at a remote plant location.
• The position requires shift-based operational supervision and coordination with multiple plant departments.
• Employees must comply with company safety policies, operating procedures and applicable Saudi regulatory requirements.

How to Apply for Shift Charge Engineer Jobs in Saudi Arabia

Engineering professionals with at least eight years of relevant experience in power generation, desalination or RO plant operations can review the original vacancy and submit their applications through the employer’s official recruitment channel, where available.

Before applying, ensure that your CV highlights your engineering qualification, plant operations experience, shift management responsibilities, safety knowledge and experience with power or desalination facilities.