Mechanical Engineering Specialist - Technical Services

Recruiter:

HR Genie

Job Ref:

2000483701

Date posted:

Monday, May 4, 2026

Location:

Durban, South Africa

Salary:

Market related

SUMMARY:
The position provides technical leadership to the Tongaat Hulett Sugar operations

POSITION INFO:

Purpose of the Role

The role of Mechanical Engineering Specialist reports to the Group Head of Technical Services and is based at the Amanzimnyama offices in Tongaat. The position provides technical leadership to the Tongaat Hulett Sugar operations in the field of Mechanical Engineering and is responsible for the provision of Mechanical Engineering support to the factories in order to achieve various technical performance goals. It also involves designing, planning and managing the execution and risk of mechanical interventions, including certain capital projects for the company. Furthermore, the role includes identifying opportunities for continuous improvement, implementing initiatives in support of cost reduction or revenue improvement and implementing strategic projects on behalf of Tongaat Hulett.

Key Responsibilities

Mechanical project execution and management
Advanced knowledge of Mechanical engineering aspects and principles in order to lead initiatives and technical support issues/projects.
Conduct Technical Audits / RCAs and develop Standards pertaining to mechanical equipment and systems.
SHERQ involvement as related to mechanical engineering support.
Mentoring Engineers and EITs.
To develop and implement long term strategies for the management of mechanical equipment.
Mechanical engineering system and equipment design and selection.
Manage external consultants – scoping, appointment, technical feasibility and work execution.
Mechanical Engineering system design and operation.
Perform/review pressure vessel and sugar industry rotating equipment design.
Develop and review technical specifications for Mechanical equipment.
Perform design analysis on failures to determine root causes.
Perform design analysis on existing equipment to determine its remaining life and suitability for ongoing operations.
Perform design changes necessary to modify plant and equipment to increase remaining life.
Mill Performance Improvements - To agree on relevant factory performance targets and to develop plans with operations to achieve and improve those targets.
Energy Efficiency - To create an awareness of the importance of energy efficiency in the operations, and to implement initiatives to improve energy efficiency.
Environmental – Propose/Assist with reviewing the appropriate measures to meet the legislative requirements.
Post Implementation Audits - Lead the post implementation audits of initiatives / projects to ensure that the promised deliverables are met and develop corrective measures where necessary.

Qualifications & Experience

A BSc / BTech or equivalent qualification in Mechanical Engineering. A postgraduate qualification would be an advantage

At least 8 years Mechanical Engineering experience on maintenance & projects in an industrial environment, preferably in the sugar industry.

Technical & Behavioural Competencies

Knowledge of Mechanical systems, best practices and technologies; Mechanical Engineering aspects
(Power generation, distribution, mechanical protection, medium and low voltage systems, power quality,
motors and drives and motor control centres); Mechanical Engineering design principles (Sizing of mechanical components and equipment such as gearboxes, shafts, pulleys, pumps and other mechanical equipment.);
Mechanical maintenance systems; Project Engineering/Management; Mechanical Engineering standards.
Specialist technical knowledge of dewatering mills and steam boilers is required.
High level of computer literacy including Microsoft Office.
Must be able to travel to all Sugar operations in SA and Africa..
Ability to work flexible hours and after hours when required.
Ability to adjust to multiple demands, shifting work priorities, change and extreme emergency conditions such as technical breakdowns and emergency projects
Problem Solving; Inspires culture and values; Accountability; Operational Excellence; Team leadership;
Customer focus; Business & Financial Acumen; Self-development; Courageous conversations; Planning and
Organizing; Flexibility; Results focussed and Attention to detail.
Ability to influence others.
Ability to communicate and relate at all levels, in writing and articulate issues clearly.
Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Make/guide decisions on SHE and Risk related issues.
Maintain good working relationship with internal and external stakeholders.

Closing date : Tuesday 12 May 2026

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