Lead Mechanical Engineer - Heavy Industry

Placements24; Richards Bay; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive package

Medical & pension

Relocation aid

Housing allowance

Career advancement

Job summary

Placements24 partners with a major petrochemical group to appoint a Lead Mechanical Engineer in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. You will lead a team of engineers and technicians, directing design, procurement, and maintenance of pumps, turbines, and pressure vessels.

Emphasis on safety, reliability, and efficiency with opportunities to drive improvements, mentor staff, and manage large-scale projects within a leading industrial group.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering required.
• 10+ years in mechanical engineering with leadership in heavy industry.
• PrEng registration is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of mechanical engineers and technicians.
• Oversee design, specification, and procurement of complex equipment.
• Develop preventative and predictive maintenance strategies.
• Ensure compliance with regulations and safety standards.
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Manage projects including scope, budget, scheduling and resources.
• Provide mentorship and foster professional growth.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and safety departments.
• Champion continuous improvement to reduce costs.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Strategic thinking

Problem solving

Stakeholder management

Safety compliance

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

PrEng registration (desirable)

Tools

CMMS

Reliability engineering

Code standards (ASME/API)

Job description

About the Role

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.