Mechanical Engineer

SGS; Heidelberg; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global inspection company in Heidelberg, South Africa, is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to develop effective designs and manage procurement for processing plants. The ideal candidate will hold a degree in mechanical engineering and have 5-7 years of relevant experience in project settings, particularly within the processing or petrochemical industries. This role emphasizes innovation, quality adherence, and effective communication across disciplines.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of mechanical engineering experience in project-related work.
• Experience with various mechanical equipment required.
• Site-based experience during construction and/or commissioning is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Produce cost-effective mechanical designs and source equipment.
• Develop design strategies and criteria for client requirements.
• Maintain inter-discipline communication and supplier management.

Skills

Mechanical engineering experience

Project management knowledge

Technical documentation

Plant layout development

Cost estimation

Innovation & adaptability

Education

B. Sc/B. Eng. or B. Tech (Mechanical)

Tools

CAE software

Office Automation

Job description

Company Description

SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 97,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 2,600 offices and laboratories around the world.

SGS Bateman’s multidiscipline engineering team provides integrated engineering services for processing plants and related operations. Using proven ISO methodologies enhanced by innovative approaches, the team transforms conceptual designs into operational manual processing plants of all sizes and complexities. An extensive suite of enhanced 3‑D design tools and modeling software allow our engineering team to visualize all aspects of plant development.

Job Description

To produce cost effective and technically sound mechanical designs and source suitable mechanical equipment through the procurement department within the required time frame to support project deliverables and objectives.

Project Life Cycle

• Develop a discipline design strategy and design criteria to suit the unique project/client requirements
• Produce regular project status reports
• Provide input into the development of the project schedule, POP and SCOP
• Generate technical specifications with requirements for each package
• Compile technical enquiry packages and technical tender evaluations to ensure accurate placement of orders
• Assist in developing, managing and controlling the discipline cost and man‑hour estimates
• Produce discipline specific designs according to schedule and budget
• Manage and control changes to budget and schedule
• Identify potential risks/delays and explain discrepancies
• Maintain effective engineering input/output of design office
• Ensure development and optimisation of mechanical layout drawings through the design office
• Review supplier documentation for compliance with technical requirements
• Generate post‑project feedback

Communication

• Maintain effective inter‑discipline interface and communication
• Understand other discipline requirements and communicate own requirements
• Ensure sufficient informal interaction between disciplines
• Gather feedback from other disciplines for design purposes
• Manage and interface with suppliers and contractors to meet project objectives

Systems and Procedures

• Ensure adherence to the internal Project Management Operating System
• Apply and review associated discipline Engineering Standards
• Continuous Improvement
• Provide suggestions for improving internal work methods and procedures on an ad‑hoc basis.

Quality and Safety

• Regularly review and contribute towards improvement of procedures and systems
• Ensure all QA procedures and guidelines are followed in all daily activities
• Participate in quality assurance audits
• Monitor vendor quality
• Monitor site quality
• Adhere to all quality and safety requirements of the SGS management system.
• Perform any other reasonable tasks as assigned by direct line manager.

Qualifications

• Professionally the successful candidate will be a B. Sc/B. Eng. or B. Tech (Mechanical) graduate and preferably registered with ECSA as a professional engineer.

Skills And Experience

• A proven track record of 5‑7 years plus relevant mechanical engineering experience in project related work within a processing (Metals & Minerals) or Petrochemical plant projects environment is required for this position
• The candidate must ideally have experience with a wide range of mechanical equipment such as conveyors, crushers, screens, pumps, cranes and hoists, feeders, mills, scrubbers, compressed air systems, feeders and tanks
• Working experience in at least definitive or bankable feasibility studies is required with experience in project execution strongly recommended. Site based experience during construction and/or commissioning would be highly advantageous.
• Previous working experience on a mineral processing or petrochemical plant or in a similar hereby industrial environment would be very advantageous.
• Project Management – Knowledge of basic project management methods and knowledge of all project life cycle phases
• Design Criteria – Applications and improvements of technical knowledge into design criteria that suit project reqs. And/or support the design of new components/equipment
• Commercial Principles – Understanding of contract types and of their main features (basics, purchasing and selling conditions, partnerships, claims, logistic aspects etc.) including international contracts
• Technical Documentation – Ability to create, understand and communicate via technical specifications
• Plant Layout development – Ability to lay out the plant in a functional, safe and cost‑effective way
• Materials Fundamentals – Knowledge and understanding of basic information regarding materials and their properties used in engineering and manufacturing activities
• Construction & Commissioning – Understanding of on‑site construction work and commissioning with associated contractor and supplier interactions
• Cost Estimation – Understand cost of design (including cost of deliverables generation) and ability to estimate costs related to a project or specific activity
• Basic IT Tools – Office Automation and Graphic Software
• Procurement – Understand project cost control, budgeting, procurement, purchase‑to‑pay and supply chain management
• Engineering Calculations – Knowledge of engineering calculation techniques
• Innovation & Adaptability – The ability to adapt to different environments (team, technologies, countries etc.) from a technical point of view, including ability to find out new possible technological solutions according to customer’s needs.
• Quality Engineering – Knowledge of quality methods, management systems and procedures and/or understanding of quality features of products and parts
• Quantity Estimation – Ability to estimate quantities (volumes, dimensions, masses, weights etc.)
• CAE Software – Familiarity with CAE software including setting up systems, procedures and guidelines e.g. AutoCAD
• Legislation and Standards – Knowledge of sector specific law (e.g. Engineering safety reqs, and knowledge of standard specifications (e.g. Plant layout requirements etc.) including the ability to integrate these standards