PURPOSE OF ROLE
We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Mechanical Engineer/Technologist to provide technical leadership and specialist engineering expertise in the delivery of nuclear engineering projects. The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring that engineering designs are safe, compliant, cost-effective, and constructible while meeting client requirements, applicable regulations, and industry standards.
The role will lead mechanical engineering activities throughout the project lifecycle, from tender and proposal stages through design, procurement, construction support, commissioning, and handover. The successful candidate will also mentor junior engineers, provide technical oversight, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the engineering function.
KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS
Engineering Design and Technical Delivery
- Lead the development, review, and approval of mechanical engineering designs, calculations, specifications, and technical reports.
- Ensure compliance with applicable nuclear, mechanical, and statutory codes and standards.
- Manage engineering changes and configuration control processes.
- Identify, assess, and mitigate technical risks associated with project deliverables.
- Conduct design reviews and ensure comments are effectively resolved.
Tendering and Proposal Support
- Participate in technical feasibility assessments and bid evaluations.
- Develop technical specifications and engineering estimates for proposals.
- Provide accurate engineering input to tenders and commercial submissions.
- Support client clarification meetings and technical negotiations.
Project Execution and Technical Support
- Provide engineering support during construction, installation, and commissioning activities.
- Resolve technical queries from project sites and stakeholders.
- Review and approve subcontractor engineering deliverables.
- Ensure timely completion of as-built documentation and project close‑out activities.
Design Integration and Stakeholder Coordination
- Coordinate engineering activities with multidisciplinary project teams.
- Participate in constructability, operability, and integrated design reviews.
- Manage technical interfaces between engineering disciplines.
- Promote value engineering and optimization opportunities.
Governance, Quality and Compliance
- Ensure adherence to engineering management systems, quality standards, and project procedures.
- Monitor engineering progress, budgets, and resource utilization.
- Support safety, health, environmental, and quality (SHEQ) objectives.
- Participate in audits, inspections, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Leadership and Mentorship
- Provide technical leadership and guidance to engineers, technologists, and graduates.
- Support competency development within the engineering team.
- Promote a strong nuclear safety culture and professional engineering practices.
- Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing across project teams.
QUALIFICATION
- Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Engineering (BEng), or BTech in Mechanical Engineering.
- Registered as a Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) or Professional Engineering Technologist (Pr. Tech Eng) with ECSA.
- Safety Evaluator qualification in terms of 10 CFR 50
EXPERIENCE
- Minimum of 10 to 15 years' mechanical engineering experience, preferably within the nuclear, power generation, or highly regulated industrial sectors.
- Proven experience in mechanical design, design reviews, and engineering project execution.
- Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams.
- Experience in nuclear safety evaluations, engineering assessments, and technical compliance activities.
- Strong background in procurement support, commissioning, and plant modifications.
COMPETENCIES
Knowledge:
- Extensive knowledge of mechanical engineering principles, practices, and methodologies.
- Comprehensive understanding of ASME, ISO, SABS, and relevant engineering standards.
- Strong knowledge of nuclear industry regulations and standards including NNR, IAEA, and related codes.
- Understanding of nuclear safety classification systems and safety case requirements.
- Knowledge of quality management systems such as ISO 9001 and ASME NQA-1.
- Understanding of Occupational Health and Safety legislation and engineering compliance requirements.
- Knowledge of engineering change control and configuration management processes.
- Familiarity with project management principles and engineering governance frameworks.
Skills:
- Advanced mechanical engineering design and technical review capabilities.
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
- Proficiency in engineering software, CAD systems, and MS Office applications.
- Ability to interpret and apply engineering codes, standards, and specifications.
- Stakeholder management and client relationship‑building abilities.
- Contract review and technical negotiation skills.
Behaviours/Personal Attributes:
- Demonstrates high ethical and professional standards.
- Strong commitment to safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.
- Resilient and capable of performing effectively under pressure.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to engineering excellence.
- Adaptable and open to change within complex project environments.