Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

Findojobs South Africa; Wes-Kaap; Hybrid; ZAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to lead complex water infrastructure projects in Cape Town. The ideal candidate has a BTech or BSc in Mechanical Engineering, ECSA registration, and at least 12 years of experience in mechanical design for water and wastewater infrastructure. Responsibilities include developing mechanical designs, leading integration across teams, and ensuring project success. This role offers an opportunity for professional growth with regular collaboration with UK teams.

Qualifications

• Minimum 12 years of experience in mechanical design for water/wastewater infrastructure.
• Strong knowledge of hydraulic systems, sludge rheology, and system dynamics.
• Proficient in CAD design and equipment selection.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design elements across major water and wastewater projects.
• Develop mechanical system designs including equipment specs and calculations.
• Conduct technical reviews of supplier/subcontractor inputs.

Skills

Mechanical design

Hydraulic systems knowledge

CAD design skills

Leadership and mentoring

Stakeholder engagement

Education

BTech or BSc in Mechanical Engineering

ECSA registration (Pr Eng or Pr Tech)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Principal Mechanical Design Engineer (Water / Wastewater)

Lead complex water infrastructure projects across the UK and South Africa in a high-growth engineering environment.

Cape Town-based | Salary not disclosed

About Us

We are a multidisciplinary engineering and design team working at the forefront of water and wastewater infrastructure projects. Our focus spans the entire project lifecycle from feasibility and concept through to detailed design and construction support. With strong growth and new framework awards, we are expanding our Cape Town-based design function to collaborate closely with UK teams and deliver innovative, compliant solutions.

The Role : Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

This is a senior engineering position leading mechanical design elements across major water, wastewater, and flood defence projects. You will guide technical delivery, oversee multi-discipline integration, and support project success from concept to commissioning.

Key Responsibilities

Interpret and challenge project specifications and client documentation

Develop mechanical system designs including equipment specs, datasheets, calculations, and drawings

Lead interface coordination with multidisciplinary teams across locations

Perform condition surveys and support site teams during installation and commissioning

Conduct technical reviews of supplier / subcontractor inputs

Manage design effort against budget, schedule, and quality targets

Supervise junior engineers and ensure adherence to standards and QA processes

Promote safety, innovation, and continuous improvement throughout project delivery

Present engineering solutions confidently in stakeholder environments

About You

ECSA-registered (Pr Eng or Pr Tech) with a BTech or BSc in Mechanical Engineering

Minimum 12 years of experience in mechanical design for water / wastewater infrastructure

Strong knowledge of hydraulic systems, sludge rheology, and system dynamics

Skilled in CAD design, hydraulic calculations, and equipment selection

Familiar with UK water industry standards and international safety regulations

Excellent communicator with strong leadership, mentoring, and stakeholder engagement skills

Able to manage multiple complex projects in a collaborative environment

Proficient in Microsoft Office and committed to ongoing professional development

Working hours : Monday to Friday, 8am5pm (SAST), based in Cape Town with regular virtual collaboration with UK teams.