Senior Mechanical Engineer

Manpower Group; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Manpower Group is seeking a senior mechanical engineer for an offshore drilling equipment program. The role focuses on design, project leadership, and hands-on manufacturing with significant customer and supplier interaction.

Candidates should have a Mechanical Engineering degree, PrEng registration, and 6–8 years’ relevant experience, including leadership of multidisciplinary teams and strong knowledge of design codes and manufacturing processes.

Qualifications

• MeetsMechanical Engineering degree requirement and professional registration (PrEng).
• 6–8 years experience in a related engineering environment.
• Strong background in engineering theory, design, and manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Oversee design and manufacture of specialised equipment and customer orders.
• Manage multiple projects and mentor junior engineers and technicians.
• Ensure safety standards and comprehensive reporting; review inspections and implement corrective actions.

Skills

MS Office (Word/Excel/Teams)

Technical writing

English proficiency

SolidWorks

SolidWorks Simulation

Mathcad

MATLAB

ASME VIII API ABS DNV familiarity

Fabrication & welding

Project management

Education

Mechanical Engineering degree

PrEng registration

Tools

SolidWorks

SolidWorks Simulation

Mathcad

MATLAB

Job description

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