Mechanical / Process Engineer

DataFin Recruitment; Milnerton; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist recruitment firm seeks a Mechanical/Process Engineer in Milnerton, Western Cape. This role requires a BEng/BScEng degree and experience in stainless steel fabrication and automation. You will design and optimize process equipment, manage projects from concept to commissioning, and develop new business opportunities. Excellent communication and problem-solving skills are essential. The position combines engineering expertise with significant responsibilities in project management and client acquisition within the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical sectors.

Qualifications

• Post-qualification experience in Mechanical/Process Engineering.
• Demonstrated track record in Business Development or Sales.
• Technical proficiency in equipment design and project lifecycle delivery.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize stainless steel process equipment.
• Drive business generation and secure projects.
• Manage projects from concept to commissioning.

Skills

Problem-solving

Project management

Client negotiation

Process optimization

Education

Bachelor's Degree (BEng / BScEng) in Mechanical Engineering or Process Engineering

Tools

Stainless steel fabrication

Automation

Job description

Environment

YOUR commitment to quality and strong problem-solving ability as a Mechanical/Process Engineer is wanted by a company dedicated to understanding, supporting, and empowering small business owners and entrepreneurs in the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and allied industries. The position comes with significant responsibility for technical delivery, project management, and business development. The role combines strong Engineering expertise (design and automation) with the ability to generate new revenue through client acquisition, tenders, and project opportunities. You must have a Bachelor's Degree (BEng / BScEng) in Mechanical Engineering or Process Engineering (or closely related fields) with hands-on work with stainless steel fabrication, hygienic/process systems, and automation. You will require technical proficiency including equipment design, process optimization, full project lifecycle delivery & commercial awareness such as revenue generation, client negotiation, basic costing and margin understanding.

Duties

• Design, automate, and optimize stainless steel process equipment such as tanks and ribbon blenders.
• Drive business generation: Prospect new clients, secure projects/tenders, and expand opportunities in target industries.
• Manage projects from concept to commissioning: Handle budgeting, Supply Chain coordination, team oversight, quality assurance, and compliance with relevant standards
• Collaborate on process improvements and tailored client solutions.
• Contribute to overall operational efficiency and business growth.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree (BEng / BScEng) in Mechanical Engineering or Process Engineering (or closely related fields, e.g., Chemical Engineering with relevant mechanical/process experience).
• Post-qualification experience in Mechanical/Process Engineering, including hands-on work with stainless steel fabrication, hygienic/process systems, and automation.
• Demonstrated track record in Business Development or Sales within Engineering/Manufacturing (e.g., winning contracts, building client relationships, tender success).
• Technical proficiency: Equipment design, process optimization, full project lifecycle delivery.
• Commercial awareness: Revenue generation, client negotiation, basic costing and margin understanding.
• Leadership: Project/team management, strong problem-solving in a dynamic SME setting.
• Other: Excellent communication, commitment to quality, Cape Town-based.

Preferred to haves –

• PrEng registration with ECSA (or actively pursuing/eligible soon).
• Prior experience in food, pharmaceutical, chemical, or similar process sectors.