Lead Mechanical Engineer - Heavy Industry

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive-level salary

Performance bonuses

Medical aid

Pension fund

Relocation assistance

Housing allowance

Annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Mechanical Engineer to head mechanical operations in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. The role oversees design, procurement, maintenance, and performance improvements across large-scale equipment and systems.

The ideal candidate has a strong track record in heavy industry, with leadership experience, PrEng is desirable, and a commitment to safety and reliability in plant engineering.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• 10+ years in mechanical engineering with 5+ years in leadership.
• PrEng registration with ECSA is highly desirable.
• Experience in heavy industrial/process environments and rotating equipment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of mechanical engineers and technicians.
• Oversee design, specification, and procurement of pumps, compressors, turbines, and pressure vessels.
• Develop and implement preventative and predictive maintenance strategies.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations (OHS Act, ASME codes).
• Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Manage projects including scope, budgeting, scheduling, and resources.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to the team.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance and safety teams.
• Drive continuous improvement to boost efficiency and reduce costs.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Stakeholder management

Problem solving

Communication

Risk assessment

Continuous improvement

Education

Master's in Mechanical Engineering

PrEng registration desirable (ECSA)

Tools

CMMS

P&ID software

Process simulation

Job description

Our client, a major player in the petrochemical and industrial processing sector, is seeking an experienced and visionary Lead Mechanical Engineer to spearhead their operations in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal . This leadership role is critical for overseeing the design, installation, maintenance, and optimization of large-scale mechanical systems and equipment. You will be responsible for managing a team of engineers, ensuring the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and reliability in all mechanical operations. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in heavy industrial environments, strong leadership acumen, and a deep understanding of process equipment, rotating machinery, and plant engineering. This is an exceptional opportunity to drive technical excellence and make a significant impact within a vital industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of mechanical engineers and technicians in day-to-day operations and project execution.
• Oversee the design, specification, and procurement of complex mechanical equipment, including pumps, compressors, turbines, and pressure vessels.
• Develop and implement comprehensive preventative and predictive maintenance strategies to maximize equipment uptime and minimize failures.
• Ensure all mechanical systems comply with industry regulations, safety standards (e.g., OHS Act, ASME codes), and environmental requirements.
• Conduct root cause analysis for equipment failures and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Manage mechanical engineering projects, including scope definition, budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to team members, fostering professional growth and development.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and safety departments to ensure seamless integration of mechanical systems.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering, with at least 5 years in a supervisory or leadership role within the heavy industrial or process industry.
• Extensive knowledge of rotating machinery, static equipment, piping systems, and plant operations.
• Proven experience with maintenance management systems (CMMS) and reliability engineering principles.
• Strong understanding of relevant codes and standards (ASME, API, etc.).
• Demonstrated leadership and team management capabilities.
• Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and analytical skills.
• Professional Engineer (PrEng) registration with ECSA is highly desirable.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Willingness to work in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal and potentially on-site during critical operations.

Benefits

• Executive-level salary package and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid, life insurance, and pension fund.
• Generous relocation assistance if required.
• Significant opportunities for career advancement within a leading industrial group.
• Exposure to cutting-edge industrial technologies and large-scale projects.
• Company housing or housing allowance provided.
• Annual leave and paid time off.