Senior Mechanical Engineer

University of Fort Hare; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 960,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Fort Hare is seeking a senior mechanical engineering professional to lead design and manufacturing oversight of specialised offshore drilling equipment. You will oversee multiple projects, guide teams, and mentor junior engineers and technicians, while maintaining a strong safety culture and working with customers, suppliers, field service engineers, and management.

The role emphasizes hands-on practical work, leadership, and the ability to work unsupervised while directing project

Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of MS Office (Word/Excel/Teams).
• Excellent written communication in English.
• Strong English language skills (spoken and written).
• SolidWorks CAD experience; 3D modelling and freedom in design approach.
• Experience with SolidWorks Simulation/FEA is advantageous.
• Familiarity with Mathcad or MATLAB for engineering calculation.

Responsibilities

• Provide design and manufacturing oversight for specialised equipment and customer orders.
• Oversee multiple projects and provide guidance to teams.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians.
• Maintain safety standards and a safe working environment.
• Shadow engineers and technicians to understand design, operation, inspection, and repair of drilling equipment.

Skills

MS Office

Written communication

English proficiency

SolidWorks

SolidWorks Simulation

Mathcad

MATLAB

ASME/API/ABS & DNV standards

Fabrication

Planning

Education

Mechanical Engineering degree

Professional Engineer registration (PrEng)

Tools

SolidWorks

SolidWorks Simulation

Mathcad

MATLAB

Job description

R 900000 - R 960000 Annually Cost To Company

About the Role

This is a senior-level role offering a fast-track program of exposure to Offshore Drilling Riser and associated well control equipment, alongside the company's broader systems and processes. You'll be an enthusiastic, efficient, and committed professional with a strong background in engineering theory, design, project management, manufacturing, and hands-on practical work — combined with strong leadership qualities. You'll interact regularly with customers, suppliers, field service engineers, technicians, management, and consultants, providing guidance and expert advice, and will be expected to work unsupervised while supervising other personnel.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide oversight to the design and manufacture of specialised equipment and customer orders
• Oversee multiple projects, including your own, and provide guidance
• Mentor junior mechanical engineers and technicians
• Maintain a high standard of safety ethic and always ensure a safe working environment
• Initially shadow project and mechanical engineers, field service technicians, and subsea engineers to build a fundamental understanding of the design, operation, inspection and repair of capital drilling equipment and company processes
• Conduct in-house development (primary function, ~70%), including strength calculations from first principles and FEA/simulation, 3D CAD modelling and drawing using SolidWorks, manufacturing data pack generation (BOMs, QCPs, work instructions, manuals), and vendor management during fabrication
• Physically participate in inspection and maintenance processes to build practical understanding
• Manage maintenance, repair, design and manufacturing projects (secondary function, ~30%) from inception through to delivery — including procurement, logistics, resource planning, scheduling, and data book generation and submission
• Provide expert technical advice to technicians and coach new technicians
• Monitor compliance with applicable codes, practices, QC policies, procedures and specifications
• Manage personnel professionally, fostering positive communication and team relationships
• Prepare detailed reports and review inspection reports; provide regular feedback to management and customers on project progress
• Review engineering deliverables, initiate corrective actions, and draft new procedures as required
• Ensure safe work practices are adhered to at all times

Skills Required

• Advanced knowledge of the MS Office suite (especially Word, Excel, Teams)
• Excellent written communication skills (email, technical report writing, WhatsApp, etc.)
• Excellent level of English, both written and verbal
• Sound understanding of 3D CAD packages, particularly SolidWorks (advantageous)
• Sound understanding of FEA software, particularly SolidWorks Simulation (advantageous)
• Sound understanding of engineering calculation software such as Mathcad, MATLAB or similar (advantageous)
• Exposure to ASME VIII, API and Class Rules (ABS & DNV) for design and manufacture (advantageous)
• Sound understanding of fabrication, boilermaking/welding, and precision machining
• Excellent organisational, planning and time management skills

Qualifications & Experience

• Mechanical Engineering degree
• Registration as a Professional Engineer (PrEng)
• Minimum 6–8 years' experience in a relatable engineering environment

Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted