Mechancal Engineer

ENGIE in South Africa; Kathu; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy company in Kathu is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to develop maintenance strategies for a 100 MW CSP project. Responsibilities include ensuring plant efficiency and safety while managing compliance with environmental standards. The ideal candidate will have a B. Tech in Mechanical Engineering, 6-8 years of relevant experience, and strong leadership skills. This role offers a market-related compensation package.

Qualifications

• At least 6-8 years of maintenance experience in a large power plant.
• Deep knowledge of mechanical processes and engineering codes.
• Experience in leading and managing people in engineering.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement maintenance strategies for the plant.
• Ensure compliance with safety, health, and environmental standards.
• Manage mechanical maintenance programs and oversee compliance.

Skills

Mechanical processes

Leadership skills

Excellent communication skills

Good command of English

Education

B. Tech Mechanical Engineering

Postgraduate qualification in management or leadership

GCC Certificate

Tools

Maximo

Business computing applications

Job description

Mechanical Engineer: ENGIE Kathu Operations (Internal)

Position Title: Mechanical Engineer
Reports to: Engineering Manager
Department: Engineering
Location: Kathu - Northern Cape

Company Overview

ENGIE is a major player in the energy transition whose purpose is to accelerate the transition towards a carbon‑neutral economy. With 98,000 employees in 30 countries the Group covers the entire energy value chain from production to infrastructures and sales. ENGIE combines complementary activities: renewable electricity and green gas production, flexibility assets (notably batteries), gas and electricity transmission and distribution networks, local energy infrastructures and the supply of energy to individuals, local authorities and businesses. Every year ENGIE works to drive forward the energy transition and achieve its net‑zero carbon goal by 2045. The Group has been present in Africa for over 50 years.

Global Business Units

• Renewables & Flex Power – Delivering greener and smarter electrons through renewable energy and flexible power solutions.
• Local Energy Infrastructures – Support customers in achieving significant decarbonisation goals.
• Networks – Expanding and adapting power and gas infrastructure to accommodate the transition to green molecules.
• Supply & Energy Management – Leveraging ENGIE’s global energy assets to deliver secure sustainable energy to customers.

Engie in South Africa

• 15 years presence in South Africa
• First and largest Independent Power Producer (IPP) with more than 16 GW in operation
• Over 300 professionals
• Developed, built and operated the first H₂ plant in Africa at Mogalakwena mine
• Founding member of the Hydrogen Valley initiative with Anglo American and the Department of Science and Technology
• Operational and safety excellence across all sites
• Growth market for ENGIE

Operating Assets

• Avon & Dedisa Peaking Power (1005 MW OCGT)
• Xina Solar One (100 MW CSP)
• Kathu Solar Park (100 MW CSP)
• Aurora Wind (95 MW Onshore Wind)
• Golden Valley (117 MW Onshore Wind)
• Excelsior (32 MW Onshore Wind)
• Konkoonsies 2 (75 MW Solar PV)
• Aggeneys (40 MW Solar PV)
• MBP (75 MW Solar PV)
• Grootspruit (75 MW Solar PV) – in construction
• Graspan (75 MW Solar PV) – in construction
• OYA Hybrid (333 MW Solar / Wind / BESS) – in construction

Job Purpose

Kathu Operations is a 100 MW greenfield Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) project with parabolic trough technology, equipped with a molten salt storage system that provides 4.5 hours of thermal energy storage and limits the intermittent nature of solar energy.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the plant’s short‑ and long‑term mechanical maintenance strategy and build a capable engineering planning and maintenance team.
• Ensure plant availability, reliability, efficiency, generation and cost targets are achieved safely and within environmental, legal and contractual requirements.
• Maintain full compliance with quality, health, safety and environmental standards.
• Maintain high standards of management, leadership and ethics.
• Drive continuous improvement through lessons‑learned processes.
• Support succession planning for key technical and engineering roles.

Main Activities

• Enforce HSE and quality procedures and ensure strict compliance during all mechanical maintenance and engineering activities.
• Execute daily mechanical maintenance and engineering tasks in Maximo based on notifications and priorities.
• Manage mechanical maintenance according to good utility practice, company procedures and legal/contractual requirements.
• Implement mechanical maintenance strategies aligned with OEM and international standards, including lifecycle management of major systems.
• Lead facility QA/QC and root cause analysis programs.
• Manage preventive, predictive and corrective maintenance programs through the computerized maintenance system.
• Establish mechanical maintenance procedures and computerized processes to support effective management.
• Plan and schedule manpower, tools and spare parts for mechanical maintenance activities.
• Review PM and PdM strategies annually to align with plant needs, including the Solar Field.
• Perform life‑cycle cost analysis for maintenance budgeting and planning.
• Compile quality control documents for critical equipment and components.
• Manage tools, spares and consumables efficiently while mitigating business risks.
• Assist in developing equipment master data and business processes.
• Ensure compliance with the O&M agreement and all related contractual obligations.
• Read and interpret mechanical drawings, schematics and technical specifications for effective installation and maintenance.
• Investigate and resolve critical mechanical issues promptly and provide clear instructions and guidance to technicians for safe and effective task execution.
• Keep and maintain time‑accurate maintenance reports of work conducted as planned or ad‑hoc as required for maintenance improvements.

Health & Safety

The Job Holder will work in a controlled hazardous environment.

Protection Equipment

Hard hat/safety helmet, ear protection (plugs or earmuffs), safety glasses, safety shoes, dust mask, cotton coveralls, safety gloves, respiratory mask.

Communication and Working Relationships

Internal: CEO, Head of Departments in Kathu Operations, workforce.

External: Contractors, service providers, energy regulators (KSP, AMEA).

Essential Qualifications

• B. Tech Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent).
• Postgraduate qualification in management or leadership.
• GCC Certificate (Factories or Mines) – mechanical or electrical – advantageous.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer/Technologist with ECSA – advantage.
• Valid driver’s licence.

Experience

• At least 6‑8 years of maintenance experience in a large power plant, preferably in a mechanical engineering capacity.
• Extensive experience in a power plant, oil & gas, petrochemical, mineral processing or chemical industry.
• Experience leading and managing people.
• Deep knowledge of mechanical processes and understanding of mechanical engineering codes and safety standards.
• Experience with computerized management systems.
• Familiarity with engineering concepts, standards and principles.
• Interaction with purchasing, finance and accounting, maintenance administration.
• Hands‑on experience in the maintenance and repair of mechanical equipment of steam or gas turbines.
• Ability to prioritise, make effective decisions and maintain high ethical standards.
• Leadership skills, good interpersonal skills, calm in emergency situations.
• Excellent communication skills in English.
• High degree of skill in business computing applications: databases, word processors, spreadsheets, PowerPoint and Maximo or equivalent systems.

Language

Good command of spoken and written English.

Remuneration

Market‑related compensation.

Additional Information

• Incomplete CVs or applications will not be considered.
• Closing date: 18 December 2025.
• Please apply via our vacancy portal (click on “OFFRES DEMPLOI”).
• By submitting personal information, the candidate consents to the processing of that information for recruitment purposes.

Employment Details

Employment Type: Full‑Time
Experience Required: Years
Vacancy Count: 1