Rotating Equipment Mechanical Engineer

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Performance bonus

Relocation assistance

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Rotating Equipment Mechanical Engineer for our client in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. The role focuses on specification, selection, installation, maintenance and troubleshooting of pumps, compressors, turbines and gearboxes, ensuring reliability and safety in heavy industrial operations.

You will lead vibration analysis, RCFA, and maintenance strategies, work with vendors, and support operations to optimize equipment performance across our client's

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• 6+ years in rotating equipment engineering.
• Experience in oil, gas, chemical or heavy industry sectors.
• Knowledge of pump hydraulics, turbine principles, seals and shaft dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Specify, procure, and select rotating equipment per project specs.
• Oversee installation, alignment, and commissioning of rotating machinery.
• Develop maintenance strategies including vibration and oil analyses.
• Perform RCFA on rotating equipment failures and implement corrective actions.
• Provide technical support to maintenance and operations teams in Richards Bay.
• Review mechanical design modifications and repair procedures.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental standards and company policies.
• Maintain records of performance, maintenance history and failure trends.
• Collaborate with vendors and service providers for quality workmanship.
• Stay updated with advancements in rotating equipment and reliability practices.

Skills

Rotating equipment

Vibration analysis

RCM

Predictive maintenance

Reliability engineering

Analytical skills

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Performance analysis software

Condition monitoring tools

Vibration analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent entity in the petrochemical and industrial processing sector, requires an experienced Rotating Equipment Mechanical Engineer to join their esteemed technical team based in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal . This critical role focuses on the specification, selection, installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of all rotating machinery, including pumps, compressors, turbines, and gearboxes. The ideal candidate will possess deep technical expertise in the dynamics, reliability, and failure analysis of such equipment, ensuring optimal performance and longevity within demanding operational environments. This is a hands‑on role requiring strong analytical skills and a commitment to operational excellence. The successful applicant will play a key part in maintaining the high standards of our client's extensive industrial facilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Specify, select, and procure rotating equipment (pumps, compressors, turbines, fans, etc.) according to project requirements and industry standards.
• Oversee the installation, alignment, and commissioning of new rotating machinery, ensuring adherence to best practices.
• Develop and implement comprehensive maintenance strategies, including condition monitoring programs (vibration analysis, oil analysis, thermography) for rotating assets.
• Perform root cause failure analysis (RCFA) on rotating equipment failures and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Provide expert technical support and troubleshooting assistance to maintenance and operations teams in Richards Bay .
• Review and approve mechanical design modifications and repair procedures for rotating equipment.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety regulations, environmental standards, and company policies.
• Maintain accurate records of equipment performance, maintenance history, and failure trends.
• Collaborate with vendors and service providers to ensure quality workmanship and timely support for rotating equipment.
• Stay updated with advancements in rotating equipment technology and reliability engineering practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent qualification.
• Minimum of 6 years of specialized experience in the field of rotating equipment engineering, preferably in the oil, gas, chemical, or heavy industry sectors.
• In-depth knowledge of pump hydraulics, compressor operation, steam and gas turbine principles, and sealing technology.
• Proficiency in vibration analysis, predictive maintenance techniques, and reliability-centered maintenance (RCM).
• Experience with relevant software for equipment selection, performance analysis, and condition monitoring.
• Strong understanding of materials science, mechanical seals, lubrication, and shaft dynamics.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a meticulous approach to diagnostics.
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to present technical information clearly to various audiences.
• Must be able to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team in a plant environment.
• Willingness to work extended hours or be on call during critical plant operations in KwaZulu-Natal .

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package commensurate with expertise, along with attractive benefits including comprehensive medical aid, a provident fund, and a performance bonus scheme. Employees have access to excellent professional development opportunities, including advanced training courses and support for industry certifications. The role provides a challenging yet rewarding environment within a leading industrial organization in Richards Bay . Additional perks include potential for relocation assistance and a supportive work culture that values safety and operational excellence.