Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

The Legends Agency; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Cape Town is seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to enhance innovative water treatment solutions. The successful candidate will work collaboratively on diverse projects within a multidisciplinary team, delivering high-quality mechanical designs while mentoring junior engineers and adhering to safety regulations. This role offers a competitive salary and opportunities for professional development in a growing engineering hub.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of mechanical engineering experience in water/wastewater treatment or similar infrastructure.
• ECSA registered (PR Eng/PR Tech) or Candidate is essential.
• Strong understanding of hydraulic systems and knowledge of international safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to multiple design projects with complex mechanical elements.
• Interpret client specifications and develop mechanical systems designs.
• Coordinate design integration and support project documentation.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

Water

Wastewater

ECSA

CAD

MS Office

Mechanical design

Education

BTech/BSc in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD software

Job description

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer (Water/Wastewater)
Help shape innovative water treatment solutions in a collaborative, multidisciplinary design team.
Mechanical Engineering - Cape Town based - Competitive salary

About Our Client
Our client is a well-established engineering business with a track record of delivering high-quality, end-to-end engineering and construction services in the UK and abroad. With expertise spanning sectors like Water, Energy, Nuclear, and Defence, they emphasize innovation, value engineering, and in-house design and manufacturing capabilities. They are expanding their Cape Town-based engineering hub, offering professionals an opportunity to work on UK water industry projects while enjoying local collaboration and global impact.

The Role: Senior Mechanical Design Engineer
This role focuses on delivering mechanical design for water and wastewater treatment projects, including water distribution, storage, and flood defence systems. You will support all stages of the design process, working closely with colleagues and clients to develop robust, safe, and technically excellent solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Report to the Mechanical Design Manager and contribute to a multidisciplinary engineering team.
• Lead or contribute to multiple design projects with complex mechanical elements.
• Interpret and challenge client specifications and technical documentation.
• Develop mechanical systems designs, specifications, calculations, and layouts using CAD software.
• Collaborate with UK counterparts on surveys, procurement, and installation planning.
• Coordinate interdisciplinary design integration to ensure seamless project delivery.
• Maintain awareness of technical standards, safety regulations, and new methodologies.
• Contribute to risk assessments and support health and safety planning throughout the project lifecycle.
• Review subcontractor and supplier designs, ensuring compliance and integrating outputs.
• Support project documentation and ensure alignment with quality and regulatory standards.
• Mentor junior engineers and foster a collaborative, innovative team culture.

About You

• Minimum 7 years of mechanical engineering experience in water/wastewater treatment or similar infrastructure.
• BTech/BSc in Mechanical Engineering; ECSA registered (PR Eng/PR Tech) or Candidate.
• Proficient in CAD software, Microsoft Office, and technical documentation.
• Deep understanding of hydraulic systems, including surge analysis and sludge rheology.
• Knowledge of international and UK safety and design standards.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and time management abilities.
• Committed to ongoing professional development.

Desired Skills:

• Mechanical Engineering
• Water
• Wastewater
• ECSA
• CAD
• MS Office
• Mechanical design

Desired Work Experience:

• 5 to 10 years

Desired Qualification Level & Accreditations:

• Degree
• Engineering Council of South Africa