Engineer - Medical Gas Plant at The African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE)

Job Purpose

• The Engineer – Medical Gas Plant is responsible for the operational integrity, maintenance, and compliance of the hospital’s medical gas pipeline system (MGPS) and associated plant.
• The role holder ensures the continuous, safe, and reliable supply of medical gases (e.g., Oxygen, Nitrous Oxide, Medical Air) to clinical areas, directly impacting patient safety and care.

Key Accountabilities/Responsibilities

Plant Operations & Maintenance

• Operate, monitor, and maintain medical gas production plants (e.g., Vacuum Pressure Swing Adsorption (VPSA) plants, medical air compressors, vacuum pumps) and manifold systems.
• Conduct scheduled preventive maintenance, servicing, and testing of all medical gas equipment in accordance with manufacturer guidelines and relevant standards.
• Diagnose and rectify faults in the medical gas pipeline system, including outlets, alarms, and valves.
• Manage and monitor medical gas cylinder storage, changeover procedures, and bulk tank levels.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure full compliance with all relevant national and international standards and safety regulations.
• Perform regular purity testing of medical gases and document results to guarantee quality and safety for patient use.
• Strictly adhere to and enforce safe systems of work, including permit-to-work procedures for hot works and isolations.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date engineering logs, maintenance records, and compliance certificates.

Emergency Response & Project Support

• Act as a first responder to all medical gas system alarms, alerts, and emergency situations.
• Participate in the installation, upgrade, and modification of the MGPS, providing technical expertise.
• Liaise with and manage third-party contractors as required.
• Train clinical staff on the correct use of medical gas outlets and emergency procedures.

Project Management and Continuous Improvement 

• Lead and project-manage any upgrades, extensions, or modifications to the MGPS, coordinating with consultants and contractors.
• Identify and implement innovations and improvements to enhance system efficiency, reliability, and energy consumption.
• Collaborate with the Facilities Management department on integrated building management system (BMS) issues related to the plant.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Valid membership with a recognized professional engineering body (e.g., COREN or equivalent).
• Certified training and qualifications in Medical Gas Pipeline Systems is highly desirable.

Experience

• Minimum of 3 years’ proven experience in the operation and maintenance of complex engineering plants.
• In-depth knowledge of medical gas production technologies, high-pressure pipeline systems, and alarm monitoring systems.
• Proven experience in leading a technical team and managing maintenance schedules.
• Strong understanding of international safety and quality standards governing medical gases.