System Engineer

POSITION PURPOSE

The Systems Engineer – is responsible for ensuring the effective, reliable, safe and efficient operation of sootblower systems installed in boiler plants serviced by CBZ Solutions.

The incumbent will monitor system performance, coordinate inspections and maintenance, investigate operational faults, identify recurring failures and ensure that sootblower equipment functions in accordance with approved operating requirements, manufacturer specifications and client expectations.

The role will focus on the operational management, technical support, maintenance coordination and performance optimisation of existing sootblower systems. The incumbent will work closely with maintenance teams, boiler operators, engineering personnel, contractors, suppliers and clients to minimise equipment downtime, improve soot removal effectiveness, maintain system reliability and support the efficient operation of boiler plants.

The position will also contribute to compliance with applicable safety and quality requirements and the CBZ Business Management System (BMS).

MAJOR AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY & KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

Sootblower System Performance and Operational Monitoring

• Monitor the operational performance and reliability of sootblower systems to ensure that equipment operates according to approved operating parameters.

• Ensure that sootblowers perform their intended function of removing soot and ash deposits from boiler heat-transfer surfaces.

• Monitor the operation of relevant sootblower components, including lances, drive mechanisms, motors, gearboxes, valves, steam or cleaning-medium supply systems, retract mechanisms and control equipment, as applicable.

• Monitor sootblower operating sequences, cycles and timing in accordance with approved operating procedures.

• Identify abnormal operating conditions, incomplete cycles, excessive vibration, unusual noise, leakage, overheating and other signs of equipment deterioration.

• Review operational feedback from boiler operators and maintenance teams to identify sootblower performance issues.

• Investigate reported failures and determine whether they affect soot removal effectiveness, boiler efficiency or equipment availability.

• Monitor recurring soot accumulation or fouling concerns and coordinate investigations into possible sootblower-related causes.

• Report performance deviations and recommend appropriate corrective measures.

• Escalate critical equipment failures and operational risks to the Engineering Manager and relevant client representatives.

Maintenance Planning and Coordination

• Coordinate preventive and corrective maintenance activities for sootblower systems.

• Monitor compliance with approved maintenance schedules and follow up on outstanding maintenance tasks.

• Ensure that routine inspections are carried out on relevant mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, steam supply and control components, depending on the installed system.

• Monitor the condition of sootblower lances, nozzles, packing glands, bearings, gearboxes, drive mechanisms, valves and associated equipment.

• Coordinate the inspection and servicing of retractable sootblowers and other sootblower types installed at client facilities.

• Identify worn, damaged or defective components and ensure that the required maintenance interventions are planned.

• Coordinate the availability of spares and consumables with procurement, stores and maintenance personnel.

• Liaise with specialist contractors and suppliers to obtain technical assistance where required.

• Monitor the quality and completeness of maintenance work and ensure that defects are documented and closed out.

• Ensure that equipment is returned to service only after the required inspections, functional checks and authorisations have been completed.

Fault-Finding and Technical Troubleshooting

• Investigate sootblower malfunctions, equipment failures and recurring operational problems.

• Coordinate troubleshooting activities with mechanical, electrical, instrumentation and control personnel.

• Identify and investigate common faults, including failure to extend or retract, drive motor problems, gearbox failures, valve malfunctions, steam leakage, control sequence failures and lance misalignment.

• Review equipment history and maintenance records to identify recurring failure patterns.

• Facilitate root-cause analysis for significant or repeated breakdowns.

• Recommend corrective and preventive measures to reduce equipment failures and unplanned downtime.

• Monitor the implementation and effectiveness of corrective actions.

• Provide technical guidance to maintenance personnel within the incumbent's competence and delegated authority.

• Escalate complex or safety-critical technical issues to the Engineering Manager, original equipment manufacturer or appropriately qualified specialists.

• Maintain records of breakdowns, investigations, repairs and recommendations.

System Reliability and Performance Optimisation

• Monitor sootblower availability, reliability and operational effectiveness against agreed performance targets.

• Identify opportunities to improve soot removal performance and reduce equipment downtime.

• Analyse recurring sootblower failures and recommend appropriate maintenance or operational improvements.

• Monitor the relationship between sootblower performance, boiler fouling and heat-transfer efficiency in collaboration with boiler operations personnel.

• Identify excessive wear, leakage, inefficient operation and other conditions that may increase maintenance costs.

• Recommend improvements to maintenance intervals, inspection routines and operating practices.

• Evaluate equipment performance following repairs, servicing or approved modifications. • Support reliability improvement initiatives and contribute to reducing repeat failures.

• Provide technical input into equipment replacement, refurbishment and upgrade recommendations.

• Ensure that recommendations are based on operating evidence, equipment condition, manufacturer guidance and applicable technical requirements.

• Participate in the planning and preparation of boiler shutdowns, outages and scheduled maintenance activities involving sootblower systems.

• Identify sootblower maintenance requirements before planned outages.

• Assist in preparing work scopes, inspection checklists, resource requirements and lists of critical spares.

• Coordinate with maintenance teams and contractors to ensure that planned work is completed within agreed schedules.

• Monitor progress during shutdown activities and report delays, technical challenges and outstanding work.

• Ensure that defects identified during inspections are documented, prioritised and addressed.

• Participate in post-maintenance inspections and functional testing before equipment is returned to service.

• Compile shutdown reports identifying completed work, outstanding defects and recommendations for future maintenance.

Safety and Legislative Compliance

• Ensure that sootblower maintenance and operational support activities comply with applicable occupational health and safety requirements, client site rules and approved procedures.

• Support compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and applicable regulations relevant to the work being performed.

• Ensure that appropriate risk assessments, method statements and permit-to-work requirements are addressed before maintenance activities commence.

• Verify that relevant personnel observe isolation and lockout procedures before working on equipment.

• Ensure that personnel recognise the hazards associated with high-temperature surfaces, pressurised steam, moving lances, electrical equipment and stored energy.

• Ensure that identified unsafe conditions and defective safety-critical equipment are reported and escalated immediately.

• Support incident investigations and the implementation of corrective actions.

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