Lead Project Engineer - Industrial Machinery

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement annuity

Performance-based bonuses

Company car

Fuel allowance

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, seeks a Lead Project Engineer - Industrial Machinery to oversee the full lifecycle of complex machinery projects, from concept to commissioning, and to lead a multidisciplinary team.

You will ensure on-time delivery, budget adherence, safety compliance, and continuous improvement, leveraging expertise in mechanical design, control systems, and automation across manufacturing sectors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline.
• 8+ years in project engineering or similar role focusing on industrial machinery or automation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all phases of industrial machinery projects from concept through commissioning.
• Lead and mentor a project engineering team, assign tasks and monitor progress.
• Develop detailed project plans, schedules, budgets, and resource allocation strategies.
• Collaborate with sales, R&D, manufacturing and clients to define scope and requirements.
• Ensure designs comply with safety regs, standards and client specs.
• Manage external suppliers and contractors for timely delivery of components.
• Conduct technical reviews and risk assessments throughout the lifecycle.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues during execution.
• Prepare project reports and present status updates to senior management and clients.
• Drive continuous improvement within the project engineering department.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Communication

Project management

Mechanical design

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

MS Project

Primavera

CAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent manufacturer of industrial automation systems, is seeking a dynamic and experienced Lead Project Engineer - Industrial Machinery to join their expanding operations in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal . This leadership position involves managing the full project lifecycle for the design, development, and implementation of complex machinery and automated solutions for various industrial sectors. You will be instrumental in leading a team of engineers and technicians, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. The role requires a blend of strong technical acumen in mechanical engineering, excellent project management skills, and the ability to foster collaboration across departments. If you are passionate about driving innovation in industrial automation and possess a strong leadership aptitude, this opportunity in Durban is for you.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all phases of industrial machinery projects, from initial concept and feasibility studies through design, manufacturing, installation, and commissioning.
• Lead and mentor a project engineering team, assigning tasks, monitoring progress, and ensuring team performance.
• Develop detailed project plans, schedules, budgets, and resource allocation strategies.
• Collaborate closely with sales, R&D, manufacturing, and client stakeholders to define project scope and requirements.
• Ensure designs comply with all relevant safety regulations, industry standards, and client specifications.
• Manage external suppliers and contractors to ensure timely delivery of components and services.
• Conduct technical reviews and risk assessments throughout the project lifecycle.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues that arise during project execution.
• Prepare comprehensive project reports and present project status updates to senior management and clients.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the project engineering department.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in project engineering or a similar role, with a strong focus on industrial machinery or automation systems.
• Proven experience in managing multiple engineering projects simultaneously from initiation to closure.
• Solid understanding of mechanical design principles, control systems, and industrial automation technologies.
• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera) and CAD tools.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and motivational skills.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Ability to interpret complex technical drawings, schematics, and specifications.
• Experience working in the manufacturing sector within KwaZulu-Natal is highly desirable.
• P.Eng. or professional engineering registration is an advantage.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including comprehensive health insurance, a substantial retirement annuity, and performance-based bonuses. The role provides significant opportunities for career advancement and professional development, including access to advanced training programs and certifications. Employees can expect a supportive work culture, exposure to cutting-edge technologies, and the chance to work on impactful industrial projects. Company-provided vehicle and fuel allowance are also part of the package. Enjoy a challenging yet rewarding career in a thriving industrial hub.