Mechanical Project Engineer - Coastal Infrastructure

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Annual performance bonus

Professional development and training

Job summary

Placements24 is assisting a premier engineering consultancy in Cape Town to recruit a Mechanical Project Engineer. You will lead mechanical packages for coastal infrastructure projects, from design through commissioning, with emphasis on on-site leadership and safe, quality delivery.

The role requires 8+ years in mechanical project engineering for infrastructure, marine or water sectors, plus proficiency with MS Project or Primavera P6.

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a premier engineering consultancy specializing in large-scale infrastructure projects, is looking for a dedicated Mechanical Project Engineer to join their team in Cape Town, Western Cape . This pivotal role involves managing and executing mechanical aspects of significant coastal development projects, including desalination plants and port facilities. You will be responsible for overseeing the entire project lifecycle, from initial design and procurement to installation, commissioning, and handover. This position requires a hands-on approach and the ability to work effectively on-site, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest engineering standards. If you have a proven track record in project management within the mechanical engineering domain and are looking for a challenging opportunity in a beautiful city, this role is for you.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage mechanical engineering projects from conception through completion, ensuring alignment with project scope, budget, and schedule.
• Develop and review mechanical designs for systems such as pumping stations, piping networks, HVAC systems, and water treatment equipment.
• Prepare technical specifications, tender documents, and Bills of Quantities for mechanical equipment and services.
• Oversee the procurement process, including vendor selection, negotiation, and contract management.
• Coordinate and supervise on-site installation, commissioning, and testing of mechanical systems.
• Conduct site inspections to ensure compliance with design specifications, safety regulations, and quality standards.
• Manage project risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Liaise with clients, contractors, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders to ensure effective project communication.
• Prepare regular project progress reports and technical documentation.
• Troubleshoot and resolve any mechanical engineering issues that arise during project execution.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent qualification.
• Minimum of 8 years of proven experience in mechanical project engineering, preferably with experience in infrastructure, marine, or water treatment projects.
• Demonstrated experience in managing complex projects from start to finish.
• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera P6).
• Strong knowledge of mechanical systems relevant to coastal infrastructure, including fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and materials science.
• Familiarity with relevant South African engineering codes, standards, and regulations.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Must be able to work full-time on-site in Cape Town, Western Cape .

Benefits

• Competitive salary package reflecting your expertise and contribution.
• Medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Opportunity to work on high-profile and impactful infrastructure projects.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Exposure to diverse engineering challenges in a vibrant coastal city.
• Company-provided site safety equipment and PPE.
• Annual performance bonus.