Mechanical Engineer - Process & Plant Design

Placements24; Richards Bay; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary commensurate with experience

Medical and retirement benefits

Annual performance bonuses

Development opportunities

On-site in Richards Bay

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Mechanical Engineer for its Richards Bay hub to lead design, installation, and maintenance of complex plant machinery and piping systems. You will ensure efficiency, safety, and reliability of all mechanical operations within a high-demand petrochemical environment.

The role requires 8+ years in mechanical design, proficiency with CAD and process simulators, and experience with HAZOP/RCA. On-site work in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• 8+ years in mechanical design within chemical/petrochemical.process industries.
• Experience in process plant design including equipment specification and piping design.
• In-depth knowledge of ASME B31.3 and API 650.
• Proficiency in CAD software and process simulation tools (Aspen HYSYS, COMPASS).
• HAZOP studies and risk assessments experience.

Responsibilities

• Design and specify mechanical equipment (pumps, compressors, heat exchangers, pressure vessels) for plant operations.
• Develop detailed mechanical designs for process piping systems with relevant codes.
• Perform calculations for fluid flow, pressure drop, thermal expansion, and stress.
• Create P&IDs and mechanical layout drawings.
• Support construction, commissioning, and start-up phases of plant projects.
• Oversee mechanical integrity programs for plant equipment and piping.
• Collaborate with E&I, civil, and safety to ensure integrated plant design.
• Ensure designs comply with company policies and environmental regulations.

Skills

Mechanical design

Process plant design

RCFA analysis

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD software

Aspen HYSYS

COMPASS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the petrochemical industry, is looking for a seasoned Mechanical Engineer with extensive experience in process and plant design to join their operational hub in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This role is critical for the design, installation, and maintenance of complex industrial plant machinery and piping systems. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the efficiency, safety, and reliability of all mechanical operations within the plant. This is a hands-on role requiring a strong understanding of industrial equipment, fluid dynamics, and process safety management. You will work closely with operations, maintenance, and project teams to deliver robust engineering solutions in a demanding industrial environment. Your expertise will be vital in optimizing plant performance and ensuring adherence to stringent safety and environmental regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and specify mechanical equipment, including pumps, compressors, heat exchangers, and pressure vessels, for plant operations.
• Develop detailed mechanical designs for process piping systems, ensuring compliance with relevant codes and standards.
• Perform calculations and analyses related to fluid flow, pressure drop, thermal expansion, and stress.
• Create P&IDs (Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams) and mechanical layout drawings.
• Provide technical support during the construction, commissioning, and start-up phases of plant projects.
• Oversee mechanical integrity programs for plant equipment and piping.
• Conduct root cause failure analyses (RCFA) for mechanical failures and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with E&I, civil, and safety departments to ensure integrated plant design.
• Ensure all mechanical designs comply with company policies, industry standards (e.g., ASME, API), and environmental regulations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in mechanical design within the chemical, petrochemical, or related process industries.
• Proven experience in process plant design, including equipment specification and piping design.
• In-depth knowledge of relevant industry codes and standards (ASME B31.3, API 650, etc.).
• Proficiency in CAD software and process simulation tools (e.g., Aspen HYSYS, COMPRESS).
• Strong understanding of mechanical equipment performance and maintenance principles.
• Experience with HAZOP studies and risk assessments.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and leadership abilities.
• Willingness to work on-site in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal.

Benefits

• Our client offers an attractive salary package commensurate with experience, comprehensive medical and retirement benefits, and annual performance bonuses.
• Opportunities for further professional development and advancement within a leading industrial group are available.
• You will be part of a critical operation supporting a key industrial region.
• Join a dedicated team focused on operational excellence and safety in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal.
• We provide a challenging yet rewarding work environment with a strong emphasis on employee well-being.