BQE Water

Operations Support Engineer

Vancouver, BC

full time

On-site

Oil and Gas

About This Job

The Company

At BQE Water, we’re not just engineers—we’re innovators redefining wastewater treatment for the global mining industry. From our cutting-edge head office in Mount Pleasant, we design transformative solutions that meet strict regulations, recover valuable minerals, and protect water as a shared resource. Since 2001, we’ve built 18 water treatment plants worldwide, treating over 20 million m³ of wastewater and recovering 1,500 tonnes of metals annually. If you’re driven to lead, innovate, and make a tangible impact, join us in shaping a sustainable future. Learn more at www.bqewater.com.

The Opportunity

We’re seeking a Senior Operations Support Engineer with the ambition and grit to lead complex projects and inspire cross-functional teams. Reporting to the VP, Engineering, you’ll drive innovation, solve high-stakes challenges, and shape the future of water treatment technology. This role is for someone who thrives on autonomy, embraces bold ideas, and has the resilience to push projects from concept to reality.

Key Responsibilities

Process Engineering Leadership:

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Spearhead detailed process engineering designs, including mass/energy balances, equipment sizing, PFDs, P&IDs, and instrument lists.

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Pioneer new technologies and applications for water treatment, driving innovation that sets industry standards.

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Author and refine high-impact technical documentation (lab reports, technical papers, design reports, proposals) to influence stakeholders and clients.

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Master and innovate unit operations like hydraulic conveyance, solid-liquid separation, gas-liquid mass transfer, chemical/biochemical reactors, ion exchange, and electro-reduction.

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Lead scoping-level designs and cost estimates for groundbreaking applications.

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Provide hands-on leadership in lab and pilot-scale testing, collaborating with the Technology Development group.

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Take ownership of projects from conceptual design to full-scale plant operation, delivering measurable results.

Operations Support & Innovation:

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Empower plant operators by troubleshooting complex issues, analyzing performance, and optimizing daily processes using operational data.

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Design and implement cutting-edge process automation, including control philosophies, instrument specifications, and optional PLC/HMI programming for those eager to dive deeper.

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Develop advanced tools to streamline data collection, analysis, and automation, transforming plant efficiency.

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Proactively identify and implement operational improvements, demonstrating initiative and problem-solving.

Who You Are

You’re a bold, self-driven engineer with a passion for leadership and a track record of going the extra mile. You combine technical expertise with a can-do mindset and the ability to inspire others. Here’s what you bring:

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Education: Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Hydrometallurgy, Mineral Processing, Materials, or Mechanical Engineering.

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Professional Status: Registered or eligible to register as a Professional Engineer (e.g., EGBC, APEGA, OIQ, PEO).

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Experience: 2-5 years in process plant commissioning, operations, or detailed design in water treatment, mineral processing, or chemical industries.

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Technical Expertise: Strong knowledge of aqueous inorganic chemistry, hands-on mechanical aptitude, and a proven ability to build and problem-solve.

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Leadership Traits: Ambitious, resilient, and proactive, with a knack for driving projects independently and mentoring others.

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Communication: Exceptional verbal and written skills, with the ability to influence and engage diverse stakeholders.

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Travel: Willing to travel to remote sites in North America and potentially internationally (20% travel after the first year, with significant site secondments in year one).

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Software & Skills:

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Proficiency in process engineering software (e.g., AutoCAD, Aspen, or similar).

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Bonus: Experience with PLC/HMI programming or Python/R for data analysis and automation.

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Demonstrated autonomy and supervisory experience mentoring junior team members.

Why Join Us?

At BQE Water, we invest in leaders who push boundaries. Here’s what we offer:

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Competitive Salary: $70-110k tailored to your experience, education, and skillset.

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Work-Life Balance: Paid vacation plus a company-wide week of uninterrupted paid leave during the festive season.

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Growth Opportunities: Up to $1,000 annually in personal development education matching and cross-departmental training.

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Health & Wellness: Immediate health benefits, with a bonus company-funded HSA upon probation completion.

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Inspiring Workplace: Employee gym, full kitchen, balcony, BBQ, and available underground parking.

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Learning from the Top: Twice-monthly ‘CEO Industry Sessions’ for direct insights from our CEO.

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Financial Security: GRRSP matching up to 5%.

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Team Culture: Monthly staff socials to connect and celebrate.

Compensation

Competitive, based on experience, education, and skillset for this full-time, in-person Monday-to-Friday role.

Join Us

If you’re a high-potential engineer with the drive to lead, innovate, and make a difference, we want you. Apply now to shape the future of sustainable mining at BQE Water.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $70,000.00-$110,000.00 per year

Benefits:

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Company events

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Mileage reimbursement

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On-site gym

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Tuition reimbursement

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Vision care

Schedule:

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Monday to Friday

Application question(s):

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At the time of application, do you currently have the legal right to work for any employer in Canada? Y/N

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Some of our client sites are in the US. Please review online, and confirm if you personally meet TN visa eligibility criteria - Y/N (Note, those responding no may still be able to travel on a B1, but this question relates to TN specifically)

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Please supply an example of where you applied first principles to troubleshoot a live, operating system:

Work Location: In person