Principal Engineer KBI 5 (2 Positions) at The Kenya BioVax Institute

Vacancy No.: KBI/11/02/2025

Job Purpose:

• The Principal Engineer shall serve as a technical expert in Maintenance Engineering and Plant Engineering and shall be responsible for coordinating all processing and engineering functions, implementation of engineering strategies on technical matters and acquisition of new technology at BioVax. This role will be required to support technology transfer, set up, test, maintain, calibrate and adjust manufacturing machinery or equipment, using any combination of electrical, electronic, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or computer technologies.

Requirements:

• At least seven (7) years’ relevant work experience, three (3) years of which must have been in a Supervisory position in the Public or Private Sector;
• Bachelor's degree in any of the following fields: Mechanical, Mechatronic, Chemical & Processing, Electrical & Electronics, Instrumentation and Control, Biomedical Engineering or its equivalent qualification from a recognized institution;
• Member of Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK) or Kenya Engineering Technology Registration Board (KETRB);
• Member of Institution of Engineer of Kenya or Institution of Engineering Technologists and Technicians of Kenya;
• Management course lasting less than four (4) weeks from a recognized institution; and
• Shown merit and ability as reflected in work performance and results;

Key Competencies and skills

• Strong technical expertise on engineering functions in a manufacturing facility
• Proven knowledge of engineering principles, engineering mathematics, engineering economics and specification and contract procedures;
• Excellent analytical, conceptual, problem-solving and decision-making skills;
• Strong technical report writing skills;
• Excellent organisational and project management skills;
• Working knowledge on quality assurance and auditing procedures;
• Leadership, supervisory, mentorship and coaching skills;
• Attention to detail;
• Negotiation and Conflict management skills; and
• Results-driven.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Developing, Reviewing and Implementing policies, strategies, standards, procedures, and guidelines for the engineering and technical work performed by the department;
• Ensuring that the equipment operates consistently within the specified operating ranges.
• Installing the equipment according to manufacturer's instructions and any applicable regulatory requirements.
• Verifying that the equipment is received in good condition and free from damage.
• Troubleshooting and solving problems on all engineering and maintenance matters;
• Establishing and maintaining technical manuals, inventories, catalogues and documentations for plant operation;
• Reviewing specifications and participating in inspections of purchase for replenishment of engineering goods and services;
• Reviewing the technical specifications for required machines and equipment;
• Maintaining and repairing the Company’s facilities (Heating Ventilation Air Condition System, Waste Management System and Water Purification Plant), Equipment, special delivery vehicles and other auxiliaries equipment;
• Reviewing and implementing of preventive maintenance schedule and undertake calibration as required by WHO GMP guidelines and other requirements;
• Ensuring implementation of service contracts with external contractors;
• Undertaking Installation, Operation and Performance Qualification (IQ, OQ & PQ), commission and de-commission of Machines and equipment in compliance with WHO GMP guidelines;
• Undertaking periodic inspections of Machines and equipment;
• Ensuring compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Act 2007 (OSHA) and
• Environmental management requirements;
• Performing continuous process improvement and provide technical advice on engineering projects, and emerging technologies;
• Promoting high standards of integrity and transparency in all operations and related management practices;
• Developing technical, and management reports and board papers as required
• Reviewing and managing budgets, procurement plans, workplans;
• Resolving Customer Complaints in a timely and
• Fostering professionalism, integrity, discipline and teamwork.