Senior Mechanical Engineer

WSP in Africa; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP in Africa seeks a Senior Mechanical Engineer with a strong background in building services. The role focuses on HVAC design, equipment specification, and project delivery across Healthcare, Data Centres, and other facilities.

You will lead complex projects, manage teams of engineers and modellers, and ensure conformance to quality, budget, and schedule. Pr Eng/Pr Tech Eng registration is required.

Qualifications

• Must hold a Mechanical engineering degree (BEng/BSc/BTech).
• 5+ years post-graduation experience in building services.
• 2+ years post-registration experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead HVAC design and calculations per local and international standards.
• Manage projects from inception to closeout; lead complex or high-value projects.
• Provide QA/QC across project stages and supervise site activities.

Skills

HVAC design

Project management

Team leadership

Technical reporting

Education

BEng / BSc Eng / BTech Eng (Mechanical)

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Navisworks

Autodesk Forma

Autodesk ACC

Job description

About WSP…

WSP is one of Africa’s most diverse consulting firms and a proud member of the global WSP Group. As part of our strategic business expansion, we are looking for dedicated, skilled, and motivated individuals who take pride in working with us. We are committed to fostering and maintaining diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace

JOB DESCRIPTION

The following guidelines outline the responsibilities of the Senior Mechanical Engineer position. While they include the items listed below, the role is not limited to these tasks. These serve as indicators of eligibility and capability for the position, with final suitability determined by management and contingent on the availability of an engineering position.

We are strengthening our Mechanical offering by appointing a Senior Mechanical Engineer. The ideal candidate will hold a B.Eng., B.Sc. Eng., or B.Tech. Eng. (Mechanical) degree and have 5+ years of experience in the Building Services Consulting sector with 2+ years of experience post professional registration.

This role will comprise of predominantly HVAC, but experience in Medical Gases, Mechanical Utilities, Wet Services/ Public Health, Fuel System Design, Vertical Transportation and Fire Engineering Services will be highly advantageous

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Technical Expertise

• Possess a high level of technical proficiency.
• Capable of managing projects from inception to closeout, with the ability to work independently. The ability to lead complex or high-value projects, ensuring appropriate support and oversight.
• Proficient in HVAC design, including air conditioning heat load and ventilation calculations, in line with local and international standards.
• Knowledge of South African National Standards (SANS), particularly ventilation, with an understanding of global standards like British Standards and ASHRAE as an advantage.
• Expertise in specifying and approving specialist equipment.

Digital Capability

• Skilled in various HVAC design software (e.g., HAP, Loadest, IES) and air/fluid/heat flow calculation tools.
• Proficient in HVAC modeling software and BIM tools (AutoCAD, Revit, ACC), and knowledgeable in manual air psychrometric analysis and design.
• Demonstrates digital literacy and effectively uses technology, data and digital engineering tools relevant to their role.
• Applies and supports BIM principles and the effective use of platforms such as Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC), Autodesk Forma, Revit and other approved digital delivery systems where applicable.
• Uses digital tools and data to improve project delivery, collaboration, quality, efficiency and client outcomes.
• Maintains high standards of digital information management, data quality in compliance with WSP digital governance requirements.
• Continuously develops digital capability and contributes to a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

Client Care & Marketing

• Build and maintain strong client relationships, earning respect and trust.
• Understand clients’ needs and deliver tailored solutions.
• An established client base is advantageous.

Time & Team Management

• Demonstrate strong leadership in communication, resource management, and teamwork.
• Ability to work unsupervised, managing time, quality, and effort to deliver high-quality results within time and cost constraints.
• Able to assign tasks and track clear outputs for the required effort.
• Proven ability to manage, lead, coordinate and mentor teams of engineers and modellers, providing technical guidance, reviewing deliverables, coordinating resources, and driving project outcomes in accordance with quality, budget, and schedule requirements.

Project & Financial Management

• Handle project scoping, scope monitoring, and cost control related to mechanical systems.
• Proficient in preparing tender documentation and managing the tender process, estimating time and effort to succeed in project delivery.
• Competent in the formulation of Bills of Quantities (BOQs).
• Oversee contractor and contract management within the mechanical discipline.

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

• Apply logic and reasoning to identify strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions.
• Make sound judgments and decisions using both deductive and inductive reasoning.
• Use scientific principles to solve complex engineering problems.

Communication Skills

• Effectively convey information, both written and oral.
• Possess excellent communication and technical report-writing skills.

Quality Assurance & Site Supervision

• Ensure quality control (QA/QC) throughout project stages.
• Provide site supervision and monitor construction processes.
• Troubleshoot issues on existing installations.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

• Role model standards for SHEQ performance and behaviour consistent with the company’s health, safety, environmental and quality vision and policies by influencing those around you
• Contributing to the identification of SHEQ risks and driving processes to achieve Zero Harm
• Embracing, displaying and promoting the company values and ensuring a safe working environment is maintained at all times, whether in the office environment, on construction sites or in the general environment

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Must have a B Eng / BSc / B Tech degree in Mechanical or Mechatronic Engineering with relevant experience
• Must have minimum 5 years post-graduation working experience in building services.
• Must have a minimum 2 years post-registration experience in the field of registration.
• Must have experience related to Mechanical engineering, specifically HVAC, designs and construction monitoring on either or multiple of the following sectors:
  • Data Centres
  • Clean Rooms
  • Advanced Manufacturing
  • Healthcare Facilities
• Must have a basic understanding and working knowledge of Revit
• Must have a good understanding and able to navigate document management systems such as Autodesk ACC, Autodesk Forma. Any other systems would be advantageous
• Experience in Medical Gases, Mechanical Utilities, Refrigeration Systems, Wet Services/ Public, Fuel System Design, Vertical Transportation and Fire Engineering Services will be highly advantageous.
• Individual currently in employ of a consulting entity will be preferred
• Pr Eng or Pr Tech Eng professional registration is a requirement

KEY COMPETENCIES AND GENERIC SKILLS:

• Code B drivers licence (preferably own car)
• Computer literacy (programming skills will be advantageous)
• Experience in various Autodesk products (AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks, Autodesk Forma suite)
• Must be self-motivated
• Team player
• Excellent communicator and good discussion and problem resolution skills
• A self-starter who can run with and manage his own projects with the guidance of a senior engineer
• Skilled in thermodynamic and pipe network design principles
• Must be responsible and have a high level of self-sufficiency and be able to apply common sense
• Must have a questioning and inquisitive mind
• Willing and able to travel