The position is based at the Ballestra office in Madrid, Spain, and reports to both the Head of Process Engineering for the Chemical & Fertilizers Business Unit and the Technical Manager for Fertilizer Technologies. It is offered as a permanent, full-time role.

About Ballestra – Chemicals & Fertilizers Business Unit

Ballestra is a global engineering and technology company with a long history in the design and delivery of plants for the chemical and fertilizer industries. Within its Chemicals & Fertilizers Business Unit, the company develops, licenses, and supplies advanced process technologies for key inorganic products such as sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, and a wide range of compound fertilizers. The business unit integrates decades of proprietary know-how with licensed technologies, including Prayon Technologies for phosphoric acid and MECS systems for sulfuric acid production. Its engineering scope covers the full project lifecycle—from feasibility studies and basic engineering through detailed design, procurement, commissioning, and start-up—supported by a strong commitment to energy efficiency, environmental performance, and long-term plant reliability. This combination of technological depth, process innovation, and global project execution makes Ballestra a leading reference in the fertilizer and inorganic chemicals sector.

Position Overview

As Mechanical Specialist – Engineer, you will support both the engineering design phase, the execution phases, and the operational lifecycle of fertilizer plant equipment The role will be split approximately 50% in drafting and documentation work for basic engineering packages, and 50% in workshop and supplier coordination activities, including equipment follow-up, inspections, and quality control. You will help ensure that mechanical systems are safe, reliable, and aligned with project and operational requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Design & Project Activities:

  • Develop and update technical drawings (PFDs, P&IDs, layouts, plot plans, and mechanical sketches) for basic and detailed engineering stages.
  • Cooperate with process engineers and others depts to ensure consistency and compliance with project design standards.
  • Participate in the review and integration of drawings and documents from clients and subcontractors.
  • Support the development of equipment designs and mechanical models, ensuring technical accuracy and manufacturability.
  • Contribute to the procurement process by identifying and evaluating suppliers, reviewing offers, and following up on technical documentation.
  • Conduct workshop visits, supplier inspections, and quality control checks to ensure compliance with specifications and delivery schedules.
  • Report fabrication progress, deviations, and quality findings to the Project Manager.
  • Maintain and update internal standardization and drawing procedures to optimize design efficiency and reduce repetitive errors.
  • Support project documentation during all stages, from engineering to commissioning.

Requirements

  • Higher vocational qualification or Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
  • At least 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering or maintenance within chemical, fertilizer, or continuous-process industries.
  • Solid knowledge of rotating equipment, static equipment, piping, and mechanical fabrication. Solid knowledge of AutoCAD 2D/3D and experience with plant design systems. (e.g., PDS, Intergraph tools).
  • Experience in equipment procurement, workshop coordination, and supplier quality control will be highly valued.
  • Strong understanding of mechanical fabrication, machining, and assembly drawings.
  • Strong safety mindset and understanding of mechanical integrity requirements.
  • Basic command of English is required. Knowledge of Italian and/or Spanish is considered a strong advantage.

Core Competencies

  • Technical accuracy and mechanical problem-solving
  • Strong organization, follow-through, and multitasking ability
  • Practical, hands-on approach combined with engineering insight
  • Effective teamwork with engineers, and external suppliers
  • Commitment to equipment reliability, safety, and project deadlines

How to apply

Candidates interested in this position are invited to submit their application directly to Mr. Erwin Amesz, Senior Consultant.

Please prepare the following documents:

  1. A motivation letter describing your interest in the position, your relevant experience, and what you can bring to the role.
  2. An up-to-date CV.

Both documents must be submitted as either a Word document (.docx) or a PDF file (.pdf).

Please send your complete application package by email to: info@fertilizerrecruitment.com

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Only submissions in the specified formats will be considered.