Principal Engineer KBI 5 at The Kenya Biovax Institute

Job Description

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:
i. 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;
ii. 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;
iii. Member of Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK) or Kenya Engineering Technology Registration
Board (KETRB);
iv. Member of Institution of Engineer of Kenya or Institution of Engineering Technologists and
Technicians of Kenya;
v. Management course lasting less than four (4) weeks from a recognized institution; and
vi. Shown merit and ability as reflected in work performance and results;

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

Key Duties & Responsibilities
i. Developing, Reviewing and Implementing policies, strategies, standards, procedures, and
guidelines for the engineering and technical work performed by the department;
ii. Ensuring that the equipment operates consistently within the specified operating ranges.
iii. Installing the equipment according to manufacturer’s instructions and any applicable
regulatory requirements.
iv. Verifying that the equipment is received in good condition and free from damage.
v. Troubleshooting and solving problems on all engineering and maintenance matters;
vi. Establishing and maintaining technical manuals, inventories, catalogues and
documentations for plant operation;
vii. Reviewing specifications and participating in inspections of purchase for replenishment of
engineering goods and services;
viii. Reviewing the technical specifications for required machines and equipment;
ix. 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;
x. Reviewing and implementing of preventive maintenance schedule and undertake
calibration as required by WHO GMP guidelines and other requirements;
xi. Ensuring implementation of service contracts with external contractors;
xii. Undertaking Installation, Operation and Performance Qualification (IQ, OQ & PQ),
commission and de-commission of Machines and equipment in compliance with WHO
GMP guidelines;
xiii. Undertaking periodic inspections of Machines and equipment;
xiv. Ensuring compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Act 2007 (OSHA) and
Environmental management requirements;
xv. Performing continuous process improvement and provide technical advice on engineering
projects, and emerging technologies;
xvi. Promoting high standards of integrity and transparency in all operations and related
management practices;
xvii. Developing technical, and management reports and board papers as required
xviii. Reviewing and managing budgets, procurement plans, workplans;
xix. Resolving Customer Complaints in a timely and
xx. Fostering professionalism, integrity, discipline and teamwork.
Terms of Service
The successful applicant will be appointed for five (5) year contract term and may be eligible for
reappointment as per the Kenya BioVax Human Resource Policy and Procedures Manual.
Applications should include the following:
1. Letter of Application (Indicate Vacancy Number)
2. Current Resume or Curriculum Vitae with telephone number and e-mail address
3. Three letters of professional reference with contact telephone numbers and e-mail
addresses
4. Copies of Academic Certificates and Transcripts