Senior Mechanical Engineer - Process Equipment

Placements24; Richards Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive contract rate

Remote-friendly work arrangement

Large-scale industrial projects

Contract extension potential

Access to project documentation

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer specialized in process equipment for contract work. The role is remotely based but serves projects in the Richards Bay area, focusing on design, specification, and optimization of mechanical systems in industrial plants.

The candidate will ensure reliability, safety, and efficiency of critical machinery, tackling complex projects with autonomy and strong technical leadership.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering is required.
• 10+ years of experience in mechanical engineering focused on process equipment design.
• Strong knowledge of ASME and API codes and standards.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate remotely.

Responsibilities

• Design, specify, and oversee installation of process equipment (pumps, heat exchangers, vessels).
• Perform mechanical integrity assessments and risk analyses for plant equipment.
• Develop and implement maintenance strategies for reliability and uptime.
• Review drawings, P&IDs and vendor proposals to ensure compliance with specs and safety rules.
• Provide expert technical consultation and troubleshooting for mechanical systems.
• Collaborate with project managers and site engineers for project execution and handover.

Skills

Mechanical design

Process equipment

ASME/API codes

Reliability engineering

Remote collaboration

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

3D CAD

FEA

P&ID software

Job description

About the Role

Our client seeks a highly accomplished Senior Mechanical Engineer specializing in process equipment to join their team on a contract basis, remotely based but serving projects in the Richards Bay area. This role is critical for the design, specification, and optimization of mechanical systems and equipment used in industrial process plants. You will be responsible for ensuring the reliability, safety, and efficiency of critical machinery, working on complex projects that demand a deep understanding of mechanical principles and industry standards. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced engineer to leverage their expertise on significant projects with a degree of autonomy.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, specify, and oversee the installation of process equipment, including pumps, compressors, heat exchangers, and pressure vessels.
• Conduct rigorous mechanical integrity assessments and risk analyses for plant equipment.
• Develop and implement preventative and predictive maintenance strategies to ensure optimal equipment performance and minimize downtime.
• Review technical drawings, P&IDs, and vendor proposals, ensuring compliance with project specifications and safety regulations.
• Provide expert technical consultation and troubleshooting support for mechanical system failures and operational issues.
• Collaborate with project managers and site engineers to ensure successful project execution and handover.

Requirements

• Master's degree or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in mechanical engineering, with a strong focus on process equipment design and plant operations.
• In-depth knowledge of industry codes and standards (e.g., ASME, API).
• Proven experience with equipment selection, failure analysis, and reliability engineering.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage complex technical challenges.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, capable of effective remote collaboration.

Benefits

• Competitive contract rate reflective of senior expertise.
• Flexible working hours and the ability to work remotely.
• Opportunity to work on large-scale, impactful industrial projects.
• Potential for contract extension based on project needs and performance.
• Access to project documentation and support resources.
• Exposure to diverse engineering challenges within the chemical and petrochemical sectors.