Hydrocarbons Operations Engineer

Join us at Cleanaway and contribute to making a sustainable future possible, together.

We transform waste into resources and renewable energy.  When you start to think of waste as a resource, it opens a world of possibilities.

As a high growth, ASX listed organisation with over 10,000 employees, our goal is to be recognised by our customers as the most innovative and sustainable waste management company with industry-leading HSE performance.  We are Australia’s largest company in this sector, providing essential services to millions of customers and communities nationally.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Hydrocarbons Operations Engineer to be the technical and operational leader for our 24/7 Re-refined base oil facility based at Rutherford in the Hunter Valley. This role is critical to ensuring safe, compliant, cost‑effective and efficient production, while driving continuous improvement across operations and capital projects.

You will provide day‑to‑day operational direction, ensure robust management of change practices, and act as the key operational interface for maintenance and capital works.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver production volumes in line with quality standards and manufacturing KPIs
• Provide visible safety leadership and ensure compliance with Australian regulations and standards
• Trouble shoot process deviation and breakdowns, and drive continuous improvement through plant optimisation, operational initiatives, and capital projects
• Lead operations teams to ensure consistent, standardised practices across all shifts
• Partner with maintenance to plan and execute activities in line with the site CMMS
• Develop, review, and maintain SOPs and work instructions
• Manage departmental budgets, balancing cost control with safety, compliance, and customer service
• Shift roster management, coach, mentor and lead a successful team
• Managing production schedules for site operations and scheduling transport of materials and chemicals

About You

You are a self‑driven operational leader with a passion for operational excellence, safety and continuous improvement. You thrive in complex environments, enjoy problem‑solving, and bring a customer‑centric mindset to everything you do.

Your Experience and Capabilities

• Demonstrated process engineering experience within refinery or heavy industrial environments
• Proven leader with experience managing operational teams across rotating shifts
• Strong capability in planning, prioritising and delivering complex operational work programs
• Hands‑on expertise with SCADA/DCS systems and PLC‑controlled processes
• Solid technical foundation in hydrocarbons processing, distillation, utilities, heat transfer and corrosion management
• Commercially astute engineer with strong communication skills and a recognised engineering qualification

Our Process

Our recruitment process involves a number of checks including, but not limited to, criminal history, medicals, drug & alcohol testing, as well as verification of qualifications, licences and right-to-work status.

All internal applicants will receive a notification within 2 weeks of the closing date of this advertisement.  

We are dedicated to improving employment outcomes and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We also welcome candidates of all ages, abilities, gender identities, experiences (including veterans), and cultural backgrounds.

If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact us by emailing inclusion@cleanaway.com.au.

Join us on our exciting journey towards a sustainable future.

Simply click the Apply button or visit https://www.cleanaway.com.au/about-us/careers and let's make a positive impact together.