Mechanical Engineer (SMPP - Structural, Mechanical, Piping & Platework)

Location: Sandton - Traveling to and from sites
Industry: Chemical, Oil & Gas, Petrochemical, Mining
Type: Permanent

Job Purpose
Our client is seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer specialising in SMPP (Structural, Mechanical, Piping & Platework) with extensive experience in the Mining or Oil & Gas industry. The successful candidate will be responsible for the engineering, planning, coordination, construction, installation, commissioning, and successful delivery of SMPP projects while ensuring compliance with engineering standards, quality requirements, project schedules, and health and safety regulations.
The role requires extensive site-based experience managing multidisciplinary construction teams, contractors, and subcontractors during the execution of large-scale mining and industrial projects.
Key Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate SMPP engineering and construction projects from concept through to commissioning and handover.
• Oversee the installation and construction of:
• Structural steel
• Mechanical equipment
• Process piping
• Platework
• Tanks and pressure vessels
• Chutes, bins and hoppers
• Conveyor systems
• Crushers, screens and associated mining equipment
• Pumps, valves and rotating equipment
• Ensure all SMPP installations comply with project specifications, engineering drawings, client requirements, and applicable industry standards.
• Review and approve engineering drawings, fabrication drawings, isometrics, and construction methodologies.
• Coordinate contractors, subcontractors, fabricators, suppliers, and site personnel.
• Monitor project schedules, costs, resources, and construction progress.
• Conduct site inspections to ensure workmanship complies with quality and engineering standards.
• Manage QA/QC processes, inspections, punch lists, and final handover documentation.
• Resolve engineering and construction-related technical issues.
• Participate in design reviews, HAZOP studies, risk assessments, and constructability reviews.
• Support procurement activities by reviewing technical specifications and evaluating supplier submissions.
• Lead commissioning, testing, and plant start-up activities.
• Prepare technical reports, progress reports, construction updates, and project documentation.
• Ensure projects are completed safely, on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) or Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Mechanical Engineering.
• ECSA registration (Pr Eng or Pr Tech Eng) will be highly advantageous.
• Minimum 8–10 years' experience within Mining or Oil & Gas projects.
• Proven experience managing SMPP construction and installation projects.
• Demonstrated experience on large EPC, EPCM, Brownfield, or Greenfield projects.
• Strong knowledge of structural steel fabrication and erection.
• Extensive piping installation experience.
• Experience with platework fabrication and installation.
• Experience supervising construction teams and contractors.
• Valid driver's licence.
• Medically fit to work on mining and industrial sites.

Technical Expertise
The successful candidate should have strong experience in:
Structural

• Structural steel fabrication
• Structural steel erection
• Steel connections
• Heavy lifting operations
• Temporary works
• Structural inspections

Mechanical

• Mechanical equipment installation
• Crushers
• Mills
• Conveyor systems
• Pumps
• Compressors
• Gearboxes
• Rotating equipment
• Materials handling systems

Piping

• Process piping
• HDPE piping
• Carbon steel piping
• Stainless steel piping
• Pipe supports
• Pressure testing
• Hydrotesting
• Flushing
• Isometric drawings
• Valve installation

Platework

• Tanks
• Pressure vessels
• Silos
• Bins
• Hoppers
• Chutes
• Ducting
• Stack installations

Construction Experience
Applicants should have experience with:

• Mining processing plants
• Mineral processing facilities
• Coal plants
• Gold plants
• Platinum operations
• Iron ore projects
• Oil & Gas processing facilities
• Refineries
• Petrochemical plants
• Industrial shutdowns
• Plant upgrades
• New plant construction
• Brownfield and Greenfield developments

Project Management Responsibilities

• Planning and scheduling
• Resource management
• Budget control
• Cost reporting
• Contractor management
• Procurement support
• Risk management
• Change management
• Progress reporting
• Commissioning management
• Client liaison
• Site coordination

Quality & Safety

• Ensure compliance with QA/QC procedures.
• Conduct inspections and quality audits.
• Review inspection test plans (ITPs).
• Ensure compliance with welding procedures and quality documentation.
• Promote a strong safety culture across all construction activities.
• Ensure compliance with:
• Mine Health and Safety Act (MHSA)
• Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA)
• Client safety standards
• ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems
• Participate in:
• HIRA
• Risk assessments
• Toolbox talks
• Incident investigations
• Safety meetings

Required Skills

• Excellent leadership ability
• Strong technical and engineering knowledge
• Project planning and coordination
• Contract administration
• Problem-solving and analytical thinking
• Decision-making under pressure
• Excellent communication skills
• Stakeholder management
• Attention to detail
• Time management
• Ability to work within multidisciplinary teams

Software Knowledge

• AutoCAD
• Autodesk Plant 3D (advantageous)
• MS Project
• Primavera P6 (advantageous)
• Microsoft Office Suite
• ERP systems (SAP or similar)

Advantageous Qualifications & Certifications

• ECSA Professional Registration (Pr Eng / Pr Tech Eng)
• Project Management qualification
• PMP or PRINCE2 Certification
• ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems
• Welding Inspection knowledge (CSWIP/CWI advantageous)
• Risk Assessment Training
• Working at Heights
• Confined Space Training
• First Aid Certification