Production Engineer - Biochar Factory

Company Overview:

Regen Organics is an award-winning social venture based in Nairobi, Kenya. We implement a circular economy model to sustainably manage sanitation and organic waste generated in cities. Using technologies developed in-house, we upcycle the waste into insect-based protein for animal feed, organic fertilizer, and biomass fuel. We operate the largest organics recycling plant in East Africa. 

Operational since 2011, Sanergy collects and treats over 50,000T of residual organics per year, and successfully sells its agri-inputs to farmers in over 40 counties in Kenya, who see improved yields and increased incomes. Our work is pioneering climate action in Africa - we offset nearly 50,000T of carbon per year and we have big expansion plans to scale this impact. Our goal is to expand across Africa and Asia, safely processing 1,000,000T a year of waste and more than 1,000,000T of carbon emissions offsets per year in the next decade.

For our work, we have been recognized by the Gates Foundation as one of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals accelerator; by Fast Company as one of the 10 most innovative companies in the world doing social good and one of the 10 best companies in Africa,by Earthshot Prize as a Finalist a and the Food Planet Prize for our innovative circular economy approach.

About the Role:

The Production Engineer will be responsible for the technical performance of our new biochar production facility in Kakamega. This role focuses on ensuring the factory runs reliably, efficiently, and safely through strong maintenance systems, equipment optimization, and process improvements. You will lead the sites technical team including technicians and maintenance staff, to deliver high uptime, high throughput, and continuous improvements in performance. Working closely with the Operational Lead, who manages daily production and crews, you will be the technical backbone of the site, driving problem solving, innovation, and long-term capacity building.

You will play a crucial role in leading the technical execution of our new biochar factory. Beyond a typical factory engineering role, in this position you will leave your own fingerprints on the design, ramp-up, and optimization of the facility, shaping the course of future expansion. The work you do will support Kenya's farmers and soils by delivering affordable, high-quality organic inputs, while at the same time removing thousands of tons of CO2 every year as durable biochar.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensure high reliability, efficiency, and throughput of production equipment.
• Develop and execute a preventive and corrective maintenance strategy.
• Lead process and equipment optimization to improve productivity and reduce costs.
• Manage root cause analysis, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  
• Build, mentor, and lead a capable technical team, fostering a culture of safety and accountability.
• Drive equipment upgrades and design improvements in collaboration with suppliers and partners.
• Ensure strict compliance with safety and environmental standards.
• Support technical aspects of product and feedstock trials.
• Use operational data to identify opportunities for improvement and guide decisions.

About You:

• Degree in Mechanical, Chemical, or Process Engineering (or equivalent practical experience).
• 7+ years of experience in manufacturing, process, or similar industries, with technical and maintenance exposure - we want to see your experience working with actual equipment!
• Skilled in designing and implementing maintenance programs. You're going to need to show us structure in how you manage equipment and the systems around it.
• Strong troubleshooting and continuous improvement skills. We're going to want to hear how you made something better and solved problems to do so.
• Hands-on, data-driven, and proactive approach to problem solving. We want diligent but quick decision-makers with a high bias for action.
• Proven leadership and mentoring ability to build high-performing teams. Show us you've worked in a team (even if not in a managerial role).

Why Join Us:

We are a close-knit team that likes to move fast, make decisions quickly, and build things from the ground up. This is a rare opportunity to help shape the technical backbone of a new industry in Kenya. You'll work on building out a practical biochar facility that can actually scale, with impact far beyond this first plant, building capacity, supporting farmers, and contributing to climate solutions. We provide you with a flat hierarchy, high impact opportunity and flexibility in work (as much as possible for a factory role!)

We value raw smarts, drive, and attitude as much as technical qualifications. If you're looking for a role where you can take ownership, grow with the business, and leave your mark on something meaningful, we'd love to hear from you.