Mechanical Engineer - Plant Operations

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Performance incentives

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Mechanical Engineer for a major industrial complex in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. The role emphasizes plant operations, maintenance, and reliability across mechanical equipment and systems.

The ideal candidate has 4+ years in industrial mechanical engineering, familiarity with rotating/static equipment, CMMS, and reliability principles, with a practical problem-solving approach and strong teamwork.

Qualifications

• Degree in mechanical engineering or equivalent.
• Experience with plant operations and maintenance is required.
• Familiarity with ASME/API codes is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee mechanical aspects of plant operations and ensure uptime.
• Develop and manage preventative and predictive maintenance programs.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot mechanical issues and implement corrective actions.
• Inspect pumps, compressors, turbines, and heat exchangers.
• Support minor engineering projects and procurements.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Communication

Practical mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

MS Office

CAD viewers

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major industrial complex in the petrochemical sector, is seeking a dedicated Mechanical Engineer to focus on plant operations and maintenance in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This hands‑on role is essential for ensuring the reliable and efficient functioning of mechanical equipment and systems within the plant. You will be responsible for diagnosing and resolving mechanical issues, implementing preventative maintenance strategies, and overseeing minor modifications and upgrades. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of industrial machinery, piping systems, rotating equipment, and pressure vessels, coupled with a practical approach to problem‑solving. We are looking for a proactive engineer who is committed to operational excellence and safety in a dynamic industrial environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the mechanical aspects of plant operations, ensuring optimal performance and uptime of equipment.


• Develop, implement, and manage preventative and predictive maintenance programs for critical plant machinery.


• Diagnose and troubleshoot mechanical failures, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.


• Conduct regular inspections of plant equipment, including pumps, compressors, turbines, and heat exchangers.


• Manage minor engineering projects, including modifications, upgrades, and installations of mechanical systems.


• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations, environmental standards, and company policies.


• Prepare technical reports, maintenance logs, and cost analyses related to mechanical operations.


• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and production teams to minimize downtime and maximize efficiency.


• Provide technical support and guidance to maintenance personnel.


• Review equipment specifications and participate in the procurement process for new machinery.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.


• Minimum of 4 years of experience in mechanical engineering, with a strong focus on plant operations and maintenance in an industrial setting.


• Demonstrated experience with rotating equipment, static equipment (pressure vessels, heat exchangers), and piping systems.


• Knowledge of maintenance techniques, CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems), and reliability engineering principles.


• Familiarity with relevant industry codes and standards (e.g., ASME, API).


• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with a practical mindset.


• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.


• Ability to work effectively in a demanding industrial environment, including occasional shift work or call‑outs if required.


• Proficiency in relevant software, including MS Office and CAD viewers.


• Registration with ECSA (Engineering Council of South Africa) is advantageous.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package commensurate with experience, along with benefits such as medical aid, a provident fund, and performance‑related incentives. Opportunities for professional development and specialized training in industrial maintenance and operations are available. The company fosters a strong safety culture and provides a challenging yet rewarding work environment. This role in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal offers the chance to play a vital part in the operational success of a major industrial facility.