Lead Mechanical Engineer - Power Systems

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonus

Medical & dental insurance

Retirement plan

Training programs

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer to spearhead the power systems division in Cape Town, Western Cape. You will lead the mechanical design and development of large-scale energy generation and storage systems, guiding a team from concept through commissioning.

The role requires a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering, 8+ years' experience with at least 3 in leadership, strong CAD/CAE skills, and a PMP-like mindset.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• 8+ years of relevant experience in mechanical engineering with at least 3 years in leadership or team management.
• Proven experience in design and analysis of complex mechanical systems in power generation/energy storage.
• Expertise in CAD software (AutoCAD, Inventor) and advanced simulation tools (ANSYS, MATLAB/Simulink).
• Knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, materials science, and structural analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate engineering teams to achieve project goals.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• PMP or equivalent project management certification is a significant advantage.
• Familiarity with renewable energy technologies and grid integration challenges.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical engineering design and development of large-scale power generation and energy storage systems.
• Manage and mentor a team of mechanical engineers, providing technical guidance, performance feedback, and professional development support.
• Oversee the creation of detailed mechanical designs, schematics, and technical specifications, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct in-depth technical reviews of designs, analyze performance data, and troubleshoot complex engineering problems.
• Collaborate with project managers, electrical engineers, and external stakeholders to define project scope, timelines, and budgets.
• Develop and implement testing protocols and quality assurance procedures for mechanical components and systems.
• Contribute to the strategic planning and technology roadmap for the power systems division.
• Manage vendor relationships and oversee the procurement of specialized mechanical equipment and materials.
• Ensure all designs adhere to safety, environmental, and operational excellence standards relevant to the energy industry in Western Cape.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

CAD

ANSYS

MATLAB/Simulink

Project coordination

Communication

Problem-solving

Renewable energy

Stakeholder management

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Inventor

ANSYS

MATLAB/Simulink

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the renewable energy sector, is looking for a Lead Mechanical Engineer to spearhead their power systems division in Cape Town, Western Cape. This is a critical leadership position focused on the design, development, and implementation of advanced mechanical systems for energy generation and storage solutions. You will guide a team of talented engineers, ensuring the successful execution of projects from concept through to commissioning. The role demands a blend of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and strong leadership qualities. Join us in Cape Town and play a vital role in shaping a sustainable energy future. We are committed to fostering innovation and providing a dynamic environment where your contributions will directly impact our company's growth and the broader energy landscape. This role is based at our state-of-the-art facility in Cape Town.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical engineering design and development of large-scale power generation and energy storage systems.
• Manage and mentor a team of mechanical engineers, providing technical guidance, performance feedback, and professional development support.
• Oversee the creation of detailed mechanical designs, schematics, and technical specifications, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct in-depth technical reviews of designs, analyze performance data, and troubleshoot complex engineering problems.
• Collaborate with project managers, electrical engineers, and external stakeholders to define project scope, timelines, and budgets.
• Develop and implement testing protocols and quality assurance procedures for mechanical components and systems.
• Contribute to the strategic planning and technology roadmap for the power systems division.
• Manage vendor relationships and oversee the procurement of specialized mechanical equipment and materials.
• Ensure all designs adhere to safety, environmental, and operational excellence standards relevant to the energy industry in Western Cape.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in mechanical engineering, with at least 3 years in a leadership or team management role.
• Proven experience in the design and analysis of complex mechanical systems, preferably within the power generation, energy storage, or heavy industrial sectors.
• Expertise in CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, Inventor) and advanced simulation tools (e.g., ANSYS, MATLAB/Simulink).
• Deep understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, material science, and structural analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate engineering teams to achieve project goals.
• Exceptional problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• PMP or equivalent project management certification is a significant advantage.
• Familiarity with renewable energy technologies and grid integration challenges.

Benefits

This role offers a competitive salary package, including a performance bonus, comprehensive medical and dental insurance, a generous retirement plan, and substantial opportunities for professional growth and advancement. Employees also benefit from extensive training programs, access to cutting-edge technology, and the chance to work on projects with significant environmental impact. Our client provides a supportive and collaborative work environment in our Cape Town office, encouraging innovation and excellence. This position is ideally suited for an ambitious engineer looking to make a significant impact in the renewable energy sector. Relocation assistance may be available for exceptional candidates relocating to Western Cape.