Mechanical Maintenance Engineer, Johannesburg

Please note this position is based in Saudi Arabia. The client will cover all relocation costs.

The Mechanical Maintenance Engineer is responsible for ensuring the reliability, integrity, and optimal performance of all mechanical equipment within the facility. This role focuses on preventive and corrective maintenance, troubleshooting mechanical failures, supporting shutdown activities, and improving long-term equipment reliability. The engineer will work closely with operations, maintenance teams, and contractors to minimize downtime and maintain high safety and quality standards.

2. Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.

• 5+ to 7+ years of experience in mechanical maintenance within refinery, petrochemical, oil & gas, mining, or heavy industrial environments.

• Strong understanding of rotating and static equipment, including pumps, compressors, gearboxes, turbines, heat exchangers, boilers, and pressure vessels.

• Experience with maintenance methodologies, reliability engineering, and condition monitoring.

• Familiarity with international standards (ASME, API, ISO, ASTM).

• Experience participating in or leading mechanical work during shutdowns/turnarounds.

3. Key ResponsibilitiesMechanical Maintenance & Troubleshooting

• Conduct preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on mechanical equipment.

• Diagnose and troubleshoot failures in rotating and static machinery.

• Perform vibration analysis, alignment, balancing, and condition monitoring.

• Support emergency repairs and breakdown maintenance.

Engineering & Technical Support

• Review mechanical drawings, P&IDs, equipment manuals, and engineering specifications.

• Support equipment installations, upgrades, and commissioning activities.

• Participate in root-cause analysis (RCA) and implement corrective actions.

• Provide technical guidance to technicians and maintenance teams.

Shutdowns & Reliability Management

• Assist in planning and executing shutdown and turnaround mechanical scope.

• Maintain equipment history and reliability data.

• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for mechanical reliability.

• Recommend improvements to reduce downtime and optimize equipment lifespan.

Compliance, Safety & Documentation

• Ensure mechanical maintenance complies with HSE rules, QA/QC requirements, and regulatory codes.

• Prepare maintenance reports, inspection records, and technical documentation.

• Support internal and external audits.

• Ensure safe work practices, including LOTO and permit-to-work procedures.

4. Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong mechanical troubleshooting and diagnostic abilities.

• Proficient in preventive and predictive maintenance techniques.

• Skilled in interpreting mechanical drawings and engineering documentation.

• Understanding of reliability engineering tools and methodologies.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Effective communication and teamwork capabilities.

5. Preferred Qualifications

• Certification in reliability or maintenance engineering (e.g., CMRP, CRE).

• Experience in refinery or petrochemical environments.

• Familiarity with CMMS systems (e.g., SAP, Maximo).

• Experience with major OEM equipment.