Lead Mechanical Project Engineer

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle / travel allowance

Bonus program

Health insurance

Generous leave entitlement

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban is seeking an experienced Lead Mechanical Project Engineer to drive large-scale mechanical projects from design through commissioning. You will lead engineers and technicians on-site in Durban, manage scope, budget and schedule, and ensure compliance with SANS/ASME standards and client specifications.

The role demands a strong project-management toolkit, leadership, and a track record of delivering safe, high-quality installations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Proven leadership of multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
• Strong project-management and compliance knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Oversee planning, design and execution of large-scale mechanical projects.
• Lead engineers, designers and technicians; manage budgets and schedules.
• Ensure compliance with relevant codes, standards and client specs.
• Identify risks and implement mitigation strategies.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Mechanical engineering

MS Project

Communication

Risk management

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering

Master's or PMP advantageous

Tools

MS Project

Primavera

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the industrial infrastructure sector, is seeking an experienced and dynamic Lead Mechanical Project Engineer to spearhead critical projects in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal . This role is pivotal in managing the full lifecycle of mechanical engineering projects, from conceptualization and design through to execution and commissioning. You will lead a team of engineers and technicians, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. This position requires a strong blend of technical expertise, project management acumen, and leadership capabilities. The successful candidate will be responsible for strategic planning, risk management, and stakeholder communication, driving successful outcomes for complex engineering initiatives. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a significant impact within a reputable organization that values innovation and operational excellence. The role is based in our Durban office, requiring full-time on-site presence.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the planning, design, and execution of large-scale mechanical engineering projects.
• Lead and mentor a team of mechanical engineers, designers, and technicians.
• Develop project scopes, timelines, budgets, and resource allocation plans.
• Ensure all project designs and installations comply with relevant engineering standards, safety regulations, and client specifications.
• Manage project risks, identify potential issues, and implement mitigation strategies.
• Coordinate with suppliers, contractors, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth project delivery.
• Conduct regular project progress meetings and prepare detailed status reports for senior management.
• Perform technical reviews of designs, calculations, and specifications.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical and logistical challenges that arise during project execution.
• Drive continuous improvement in project management methodologies and engineering practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field; a Master's degree or PMP certification is advantageous.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering, with at least 5 years in a project management or lead engineering role.
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex industrial projects from inception to completion.
• Strong knowledge of project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall) and tools.
• Expertise in mechanical systems design, process engineering, and relevant codes and standards (e.g., SANS, ASME).
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in project planning software such as MS Project or Primavera.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work under pressure.
• Strong negotiation and conflict-resolution skills.
• Must be available to work full-time on-site in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal .

Benefits

• Attractive salary package reflecting the seniority of the role.
• Performance-based annual bonus.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement plan.
• Generous leave allowance.
• Opportunities for career advancement and leadership development.
• Company vehicle or travel allowance.
• Dynamic and challenging work environment.