Principal Mechanical Design Engineer (Water/Wastewater)

SUMMARY:
This is a senior engineering position leading mechanical design elements across major water, wastewater, and flood defence projects.

POSITION INFO:

Principal Mechanical Design Engineer (Water/Wastewater)

Lead complex water infrastructure projects across the UK and South Africa in a high-growth engineering environment.

Cape Town-based | Salary not disclosed

About Us

We are a multidisciplinary engineering and design team working at the forefront of water and wastewater infrastructure projects. Our focus spans the entire project lifecycle — from feasibility and concept through to detailed design and construction support. With strong growth and new framework awards, we are expanding our Cape Town-based design function to collaborate closely with UK teams and deliver innovative, compliant solutions.

The Role: Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

This is a senior engineering position leading mechanical design elements across major water, wastewater, and flood defence projects. You will guide technical delivery, oversee multi-discipline integration, and support project success from concept to commissioning.

Key Responsibilities

• Interpret and challenge project specifications and client documentation

• Develop mechanical system designs including equipment specs, datasheets, calculations, and drawings

• Lead interface coordination with multidisciplinary teams across locations

• Perform condition surveys and support site teams during installation and commissioning

• Conduct technical reviews of supplier/subcontractor inputs

• Manage design effort against budget, schedule, and quality targets

• Supervise junior engineers and ensure adherence to standards and QA processes

• Promote safety, innovation, and continuous improvement throughout project delivery

• Present engineering solutions confidently in stakeholder environments

About You

• ECSA-registered (Pr Eng or Pr Tech) with a BTech or BSc in Mechanical Engineering

• Minimum 12 years of experience in mechanical design for water/wastewater infrastructure

• Strong knowledge of hydraulic systems, sludge rheology, and system dynamics

• Skilled in CAD design, hydraulic calculations, and equipment selection

• Familiar with UK water industry standards and international safety regulations

• Excellent communicator with strong leadership, mentoring, and stakeholder engagement skills

• Able to manage multiple complex projects in a collaborative environment

• Proficient in Microsoft Office and committed to ongoing professional development

Working hours: Monday to Friday, 8am–5pm (SAST), based in Cape Town with regular virtual collaboration with UK teams.