Engineer: Autonomous Inspection & Emerging Technologies

TÜV Rheinland Group; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote working

Flexible working hours

Insurance packages and health care

Employee training and development

Experienced and international teams

Job summary

TÜV Rheinland Group in Johannesburg is seeking a senior specialist to lead the development of our Autonomous Inspection service, covering UAVs, ROVs, and unmanned inspection tech across diverse industrial sectors. You will shape strategy, coordinate field campaigns, and drive revenue through new offerings.

As part of a global network, you will analyze inspection data, ensure safety compliance, and build strong client relationships while advancing innovation in digital inspection platforms.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level engineering degree required.
• 3–5 years in inspection, NDT, or asset integrity.
• Experience with autonomous inspection tech incl UAVs/ROVs.
• Client-facing proposals experience is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deploy autonomous inspection capabilities for industrial clients.
• Lead client engagements, proposals, and demonstrations.
• Scan for new tech and partnerships to strengthen service offerings.
• Ensure compliance with API/ASME/ISO standards and document reports.

Skills

Autonomous inspection

Business development

Client engagement

Drone operations

Data interpretation

Education

BTech / BEng in Mechanical/Mechatronics

NDT certification

Tools

Drone operations

Data collection tools

Job description

Industrial Services & Cybersecurity

At TÜV Rheinland, in the Industry Service & Cybersecurity business unit, we are looking for talents who are ready to help shape the future of the industry and accompany technological progress. Our focus is on digitalization and networking in the industry, as well as the further international expansion of our services in the field of renewable energy and support for major infrastructure projects.

This applies to the functional safety of industrial plants in an era of rapidly increasing interconnectivity of components and machines – the keyword being Operational Technology Security – as well as to energy generation, utilization, and distribution, infrastructure, and network expansion.

Our Core Areas

• Pressure Equipment & Plant Engineering: Inspection, testing, and certification services focusing on pressure equipment such as pressure vessels, boilers, tanks, and piping systems.
• Elevators & Conveyor Technology: Inspection, testing, and certification services for elevators, conveyor belts, escalators, cranes, and machinery.
• Electrical & Building Technology: Evaluation, inspection, testing, and certification services for electrical, mechanical, and electronic systems.
• Industrial Inspection & Material Testing: Comprehensive inspection and testing services for industrial facilities and their materials.
• Infrastructure & Project Management: Project and construction supervision as well as integrated services for infrastructure projects.
• Energy & Environment: Technical support, certification, and testing for renewable energy and sustainable solutions.
• Cybersecurity & Functional Safety: Testing and certification services for industrial automation, IT, and OT security solutions.

Become part of a team that drives innovation and makes the world safer and more connected. With us, you can apply and expand your knowledge and actively shape the industry of the future – in an environment that fosters learning and diversity.

Job Description

Lead the development and growth of TUV Rheinland's Autonomous Inspection service offering in South Africa, covering drone-based (UAV) inspections, robotic systems, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and other unmanned inspection technologies. This role combines technical inspection expertise with a commercial mindset to position TUV Rheinland as the preferred provider of advanced autonomous inspection services across industrial sectors.

Autonomous Inspection Service Development

• Identify, evaluate, and deploy autonomous inspection technologies suitable for TUV Rheinland's industrial clients, including UAVs (drones), ROVs, rope-access robots, tank crawlers, and pipe inspection systems.
• Develop and document autonomous inspection procedures, data collection protocols, and reporting standards.
• Coordinate inspection campaigns across assets including storage tanks, above-ground pipelines, structural steel, flare stacks, pressure vessels, and civil infrastructure.
• Oversee or participate in the planning and execution of autonomous inspection fieldwork, ensuring quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Analyse inspection data including visual imagery, thermal data, ultrasonic thickness readings, and other sensor outputs to generate technically sound inspection reports.

Business Development & Client Engagement

• Actively promote and sell TUV Rheinland's autonomous inspection services to existing and prospective clients in mining, oil & gas, petrochemical, power, and infrastructure sectors.
• Develop compelling technical proposals, capability presentations, and service brochures tailored to client needs.
• Conduct client demonstrations and site visits to showcase autonomous inspection capabilities.
• Identify emerging market opportunities and client pain points that can be addressed through innovative inspection technologies.
• Build and maintain relationships with technology vendors, OEMs, drone operators, and service partners to expand TUV Rheinland's delivery capabilities.

Technology Scouting & Innovatin

• Continuously monitor developments in autonomous inspection technology, robotics, AI-assisted defect detection, and digital inspection platforms.
• Evaluate and recommend new tools, platforms, and technology partnerships that strengthen TUV Rheinland's autonomous inspection offering.
• Collaborate with the international TUV Rheinland network to leverage global autonomous inspection expertise and best practices.
• Contribute to the integration of autonomous inspection data with digital asset management platforms and asset integrity systems.

Quality, Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure all autonomous inspection activities comply with SACAA drone regulations, client HSE standards, and applicable inspection standards (API, ASME, ISO).
• Produce high-quality technical inspection reports that clearly communicate findings, risk levels, and recommended actions.
• Maintain records of inspections, data collected, equipment used, and client feedback.
• Support development of internal quality and operational standards for the autonomous inspection service line.
• Any ad hoc tasks as required by Management.

Experience & Further Qualifications

• BTech / BEng in Mechanical Engineering / Mechatronics Engineering, or related engineering discipline (Essential).
• Additional certification or short courses in drone operations, robotics, NDT, or inspection technology is advantageous.
• 3 to 5 years of experience in inspection engineering, non-destructive testing (NDT), asset integrity, or a related technical field.
• Demonstrated interest or exposure to autonomous inspection technologies including UAVs (drones), remotely operated vehicles(ROVs), crawlers, or robotic systems.
• Experience in industrial inspection of infrastructure, storage tanks, pressure vessels, pipelines, or structural assets.
• Exposure to inspection data interpretation, defect analysis, and reporting.
• Client-facing experience or involvement in technical proposals and business development is advantageous.
• Familiarity with inspection standards (API 510, API 570, API 653, ASME) is an advantage.
• Experience working in oil & gas, petrochemical, mining, power, or heavy industrial environments.

Benefits

• Positive working atmosphere: Isn't it tempting to work for an established, significant company with a rich heritage? Here's the even better news: we also want the work to be fun!
• Bonus programmes: We believe in rewarding performance by recognising success. Let's talk about the details of our bonus programmes in a personal meeting.
• Remote working: Commuting is a time and mood killer, especially during rush hour. We offer remote work and welcome you to join our team regardless of your current location!
• Flexible working hours: Balancing your private and professional life is not always easy: family matters, personal needs, transport or simply your own energy cycle - our flexible working hours support you in this!
• Experienced and international teams: We welcome new talent, but are also proud of our many long-standing colleagues. Let your personal experience come together with our multicultural TÜV Rheinland experience to achieve something together!
• Insurance packages and health care: We are proud to save lives with our work. The physical and mental well-being of our employees is just as important to us! We would be happy to inform you about our insurance and health packages in a personal meeting
• Employee training and development: We live ‘Just right’ as the core of our corporate DNA. Constantly growing together and learning from each other is therefore a matter of course for us!