Mechanical Project Engineer

Department: Initiating Systems Operations / Projects

Reporting Line

Reports to: Project Manager – Initiating Systems

Works closely with: Project Governance, Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Procurement, and External Contractors.

Job Purpose

To provide mechanical engineering leadership and project coordination for capital projects, ensuring the safe, compliant, cost-effective, and timely execution of mechanical equipment, piping, utilities, process systems, and plant infrastructure projects from concept through commissioning and handover.

Key Accountabilities

Project Engineering Support

• Provide technical leadership for mechanical equipment, piping systems, rotating equipment, pressure vessels, tanks, utilities, and plant infrastructure projects.
• Review and verify mechanical designs, specifications, drawings, calculations, and installation methodologies.
• Ensure compliance with applicable engineering standards, codes, and project requirements.

Project Lifecycle Coordination

• Support feasibility studies, site investigations, and concept development.
• Coordinate detailed design reviews, HAZOP participation, and constructability assessments.
• Manage contractor activities during fabrication, installation, construction, and commissioning while monitoring quality, safety, cost, and schedule performance.
• Lead mechanical completion, commissioning support, punch-list closeout, and project handover.

Technical Documentation and Governance

Maintain and review:

• Project Charters
• Feasibility Studies
• Mechanical Design Reports
• Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs)
• Mechanical Equipment Specifications
• IFC (Issued for Construction) Documentation
• Design Risk Assessments
• Management of Change (MOC) Documentation
• Contractor Quality Records
• Commissioning and Handover Documentation

Ensure adherence to internal governance frameworks and external regulatory requirements.

Compliance and Safety Assurance

Ensure all engineering and project activities comply with:

• Company governance procedures
• Safety regulations
• Environmental standards
• Engineering and explosives best practices

Risk Identification and Management

Proactively identify design, operability, and integration risks early in the project lifecycle. By flagging issues at the earliest possible stage, directly contribute to reducing costly rework, minimizing potential cost exposure, and preventing latent safety hazards. Escalate mitigation measures to project leadership promptly.

Stakeholder Coordination

Ensure alignment across project stakeholders.

Serve as the central technical point of contact to strengthen communication and coordination across the Nitrates Projects, Group Corporate Projects, Operations, Maintenance, Procurement, and external service providers to ensure seamless integration and alignment of all technical activities.

Project Reporting

Develop and manage clear, concise project lifecycle reports. Track technical progress against milestones, document key technical decisions, and proactively communicate risks, status, and recommendations to project leadership and key stakeholders.

Knowledge Management

Systematically capture and document technical knowledge, lessons learned, and "as-built" information throughout each project. This preserves critical in-house process engineering capability to support long-term operational sustainability and future optimisation efforts.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Professional registration with ECSA (Candidate Engineer/Professional Engineer/Professional Engineering Technologist) will be advantageous

Experience

• Minimum 3–5 years' experience in:
• Mechanical engineering within mining, industrial, manufacturing, petrochemical, explosives, or infrastructure environments.
• Managing mechanical contractors and installation activities.
• Rotating equipment, pumps, compressors, piping systems, pressure vessels, tanks, conveyors, utilities, and mechanical plant equipment.
• Project controls, contractor management, quality assurance, and construction safety.
• Coordinating multiple mechanical projects simultaneously.

Knowledge and Skills

Technical Skills:

• Mechanical Engineering Design Principles
• Rotating and Static Equipment Fundamentals
• Piping Systems Design and Installation
• Pressure Vessel and Tank Design Standards
• Mechanical Equipment Reliability and Maintenance Principles
• Utilities Systems (Compressed Air, Water, Steam, Gas)
• Quantity Surveying and Cost Estimation
• Contract Administration (FIDIC, NEC, GCC)
• Mechanical QA/QC
• Project Planning and Scheduling
• Risk Assessment and Safety Management
• Technical Documentation Control and Governance
• Asset Integrity and Reliability Management

Professional Skills:

• Engineering Judgement & Problem Solving
• Project Planning & Execution
• Contractor Management
• Mechanical Systems & Equipment Expertise
• Commissioning & Start-up Coordination
• Quality Management (QA/QC)
• Risk Management
• Technical Reporting
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Safety & Compliance Leadership

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Zero major mechanical quality non-conformances.
• Adherence to project schedules and budget targets.
• Successful contractor performance management.
• Zero Lost Time Injuries (LTIs) on managed projects.
• Successful completion of mechanical works in accordance with design specifications and regulatory requirements

Working Conditions

• Office-based project work with regular plant/site visits for inspections and meetings
• May require participation in plant shutdowns, commissioning activities, and project implementation phases, which could include work outside of normal hours.

Core Competencies:

• Safety Leadership
• Integrity and Compliance
• Accountability
• Collaboration

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