Senior Project Engineer - Water & Sanitation Infrastructure

Placements24; East London; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical aid and retirement fund

Professional development and training

Generous annual leave

Collaborative work environment

Incentives

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Project Engineer to lead water and sanitation infrastructure projects in East London, Eastern Cape. The role requires overseeing planning, design, procurement and construction across municipal water supply, wastewater treatment and reticulation systems.

The ideal candidate holds a BEng in Civil or Environmental Engineering, is registered as a Pr Eng with ECSA, and has 8+ years in related projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering required.
• Professional registration with ECSA as a Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) is required.
• Minimum 8 years' experience in design and management of water and sanitation infrastructure projects.
• Experience in project management including contract administration and financial control.
• Strong knowledge of water/wastewater treatment, hydraulic design, and pipelines.
• Familiarity with SA legislation, SANS standards, and municipal frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead full project lifecycle for water and sanitation infrastructure projects from feasibility to commissioning.
• Oversee design and development of water treatment plants, wastewater treatment works, pipelines, pump stations and related infrastructure.
• Manage budgets, schedules and resources to ensure timely, cost-efficient delivery.
• Ensure compliance with engineering standards, environmental regulations and by-laws.
• Procure consultants and contractors, manage contracts and supervise construction activities.
• Mentor junior engineers and project team members; ensure QA/QC across phases.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Budgeting

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering

Tools

MS Project

Primavera P6

Design software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent engineering consultancy focused on municipal and infrastructure development, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Project Engineer to lead and manage key water and sanitation infrastructure projects in East London, Eastern Cape. This challenging role involves overseeing the planning, design, procurement, and construction phases of vital water supply, wastewater treatment, and reticulation projects. The ideal candidate will possess a strong technical background in civil or environmental engineering, coupled with proven project management capabilities and a deep understanding of municipal infrastructure. You will be instrumental in ensuring the successful delivery of projects that enhance the quality of life for communities in the region. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned engineer to contribute to essential public works and to advance their career within a respected organization. We are looking for a dedicated and technically adept professional committed to public service infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the full project lifecycle for water and sanitation infrastructure projects, from feasibility studies to construction and commissioning.
• Oversee the design and development of water treatment plants, wastewater treatment works, pipelines, pump stations, and associated infrastructure.
• Manage project budgets, schedules, and resources effectively, ensuring timely and cost-efficient delivery.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant engineering standards, specifications, environmental regulations, and municipal by-laws.
• Procure services of consultants and contractors, manage contracts, and oversee construction activities.
• Conduct site inspections and provide technical guidance to construction teams.
• Liaise with clients (municipalities, government departments), stakeholders, and the public to ensure project objectives are met and communication is effective.
• Identify and mitigate project risks, developing appropriate contingency plans.
• Review and approve project documentation, including design reports, drawings, specifications, and progress reports.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers and project team members.
• Ensure effective quality control and assurance throughout all project phases.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or Environmental Engineering.
• Professional registration with ECSA as a Professional Engineer (Pr Eng).
• A minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in the design and management of water and sanitation infrastructure projects.
• Proven experience in project management, including contract administration and financial control.
• Strong technical knowledge of water and wastewater treatment processes, hydraulic design, and pipeline engineering.
• Familiarity with relevant South African legislation, standards (e.g., SANS), and municipal frameworks.
• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera P6) and relevant design software.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and manage multiple priorities.
• Experience working with municipalities or public sector clients is highly advantageous.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Opportunity to contribute to significant and impactful public infrastructure projects.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and continuous learning.
• A supportive and collaborative work environment.
• Performance-based incentives.
• Generous annual leave allowance.