Mechanical Engineer - Process Design

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Mechanical Engineer with process design expertise for a food & beverage facility in the Western Cape, Paarl. You will design, implement and optimize mechanical systems for fluid handling, heat transfer and material transport, ensuring safety, hygiene, and regulatory compliance.

You will develop PFDs and P&IDs, perform fluid dynamics calculations, review vendor proposals, and support commissioning and startup of new lines, contributing to production efficiency and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• 3-5 years of experience in mechanical or process engineering.
• Proficiency in CAD for drafting and P&ID development.
• Familiarity with process safety management and food hygiene standards.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and specify mechanical equipment and systems for process applications, including pumps, piping, heat exchangers, and tanks.
• Develop process flow diagrams (PFDs) and piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs).
• Conduct engineering calculations for fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and stress analysis.
• Ensure all designs comply with food safety regulations (e.g., HACCP) and industry codes.
• Collaborate with operations and maintenance teams to troubleshoot process issues and implement improvements.
• Manage small-scale projects related to process upgrades and modifications, from concept to commissioning.
• Review vendor proposals and equipment submittals for process-related machinery.
• Assist in the commissioning and startup of new equipment and process lines.
• Maintain accurate process design documentation and records.

Skills

Analytical skills

Teamwork

Communication

Problem solving

On-site collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a prominent entity in the food and beverage processing industry, operating significant facilities in Paarl, Western Cape. They are seeking a skilled Mechanical Engineer specializing in process design to enhance and optimize their production lines. This role is critical for ensuring the efficiency, safety, and reliability of our manufacturing processes. The successful candidate will be involved in designing, implementing, and improving mechanical systems related to fluid handling, heat transfer, and material transport. This is an on-site position that requires a hands-on approach and a strong understanding of process engineering principles within the context of food production standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and specify mechanical equipment and systems for process applications, including pumps, piping, heat exchangers, and tanks.
• Develop process flow diagrams (PFDs) and piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs).
• Conduct engineering calculations for fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and stress analysis.
• Ensure all designs comply with food safety regulations (e.g., HACCP), hygiene standards, and relevant industry codes.
• Collaborate with operations and maintenance teams to troubleshoot process issues and implement improvements.
• Manage small-scale projects related to process upgrades and modifications, from concept to commissioning.
• Review vendor proposals and equipment submittals for process-related machinery.
• Assist in the commissioning and startup of new equipment and process lines.
• Maintain accurate process design documentation and records.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• 3-5 years of experience in mechanical or process engineering, preferably within the food & beverage or pharmaceutical industries.
• Strong understanding of fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and thermodynamics.
• Proficiency in CAD software for drafting and P&ID development.
• Familiarity with process safety management and food hygiene standards.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good communication and teamwork abilities, essential for collaborating with diverse teams on-site.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced production environment.
• Knowledge of relevant industry standards and best practices.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, and opportunities for professional development within the thriving Paarl, Western Cape region. Employees are part of a stable and reputable company committed to quality and innovation. This on-site role provides direct impact on production efficiency and offers a dynamic work environment. We value our employees and provide ongoing training to enhance their skills and career progression in the food processing sector.