Mechanical Engineer at Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA)

Job Description    

• The Mechanical Engineer provides operational mechanical engineering expertise across the full project lifecycle. The role contributes mechanical engineering inputs and guidance in the development of infrastructure strategies, policies, systems, projects, functional/technical norms and best-practice engineering standards while supporting continuous improvement, quality assurance, cost efficiency and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities    
KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

Engineering Advisory

• Provide strategic mechanical engineering design input and advice from project inception through planning, implementation, and operations.
• Development, interpretation and customisation of functional and technical norms and standards for engineering services.
• Lead and maintain mechanical engineering norms & standards
• Advise on best-practice mechanical design, maintenance, and operational approaches to support long-term asset performance and sustainability.
• Investigate proposals for innovative service delivery mechanisms.
• Contribute mechanical engineering expertise to project feasibility studies, and provide reports detailing technical evaluations, investment decisions, service impact, financial impact, infrastructure impact, constraints, alternatives and attainability.

Design and Develop Mechanical Engineering Solutions for Infrastructure Projects 

• Prepare, review, and approve briefing documentation and specifications (technical specifications, mechanical design principles, preliminary costing per installation, performance-based standards, standard drawings).
• Coordinate with other disciplines to integrate mechanical services within the overall project designs.
• Provide mechanical engineering support to maintenance and operations activities for new and existing facilities and installations.
• Perform load calculations for HVAC, heating, ventilation and cooling systems and size pumps and piping for building services.
• Specify HVAC equipment, pumps, valves, boilers, chillers and fire-protection systems appropriate to project requirements and local conditions.
• Liaise with contractors and service providers to ensure mechanical installations operate optimally and meet performance standards.
• Assess mechanical designs to accommodate constructability and ease of maintenance throughout the asset lifecycle.
• Investigate mechanical engineering installations and equipment, undertake design work and implement corrective measures, where necessary.
• Oversee the implementation [construction] and commissioning of mechanical engineering installations.

Quality Assurance & Project Delivery

• Oversee the quality, accuracy, and compliance of mechanical designs, prototype drawings, service layouts, plans, and as-built documentation produced by clients and professional service providers.
• Provide discipline-specific quality control during project execution to ensure compliance with approved designs, standards, and specifications.
• Review and provide technical input into project implementation plans and standard contractual documentation, ensuring alignment with best practice and governance requirements.
• Support project schedule and cost control, seeking to minimise project costs while enhancing value for money without compromising quality or regulatory compliance.
• Monitor and advise on applicable statutory, regulatory, and industry standards, ensuring their incorporation into relevant programmes and projects.

Support Lifecycle Building and Maintenance Planning

• Develop maintenance strategies for mechanical systems that reduce downtime and extend equipment life.
• Provide maintenance and spares specifications and operation manuals to support asset management.
• Recommend materials, coatings and installation methods to improve durability in local operating conditions.
• Incorporate preventative maintenance requirements into design documentation and tender packs.

Integrate Sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Principles

• Identify energy-efficient HVAC and plant solutions that reduce operational carbon and meet ESG targets.
• Recommend water-saving fixtures, greywater reuse opportunities and sustainable materials where feasible.
• Assess environmental and social impacts of mechanical systems and recommend mitigation measures.
• Support selection of low-Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants and systems aligned with environmental regulations.

Provide Technical Support and Continuous Improvement

• Recommend innovative materials, methods, or technologies for improved performance.
• Participate in lessons-learned reviews and incorporate outcomes into future designs.
• Identify opportunities for standardisation, value engineering and cost reduction without compromising safety.
• Keep abreast of emerging technologies, methodologies, and innovations in mechanical engineering and advise on their applicability.
• Liaise with external engineering firms, professional bodies, and industry associations to benchmark documentation, rates, and alternative delivery approaches to drive improvements and cost savings.
• Optimise standard guides, tools, methods, and techniques for evaluating resource utilisation and engineering efficiency.
• Identify, investigate, and analyse problem areas, recommending practical and innovative engineering solutions.
• Evaluate and propose new initiatives, technologies, or enhanced products to improve mechanical engineering outcomes.
• Research, benchmark, and advise on best-practice delivery methodologies and standards.

Reporting and Analytics

• Generate detailed and insightful reports and analyses that support strategic decision-making and drive organisational improvement.
• Collect, process, and interpret complex data using advanced analytical techniques and tools.
• Develop and deliver accurate, relevant, and stakeholder-focused reports, presenting data in a clear, concise, and actionable format using appropriate visualisations and analytical tools.
• Identify trends, anomalies, and key insights that influence strategic planning and operational adjustments.
• Provide comprehensive analytics and high-quality reporting, the specialist enables informed decision-making and contributes to the organisation's ability to achieve its objectives and adapt to changing conditions.

8. Stakeholder Management

• Engage and collaborate with key stakeholders to align expectations, gather insights, and ensure successful outcomes.
• Build strong relationships, communicating clearly and consistently, and addressing stakeholder needs and concerns with responsiveness and professionalism.
• Facilitate cooperation and support for initiatives within the area of expertise, contributing to overall project and organisational success.
• Compile and present technical reports, briefing notes, and special reports as required.

Expertise & Technical Competencies    
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Qualifications
Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering
• Professional registration by the Engineering Council of South Africa

Desirable Requirements

• Postgraduate qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Building Services, Energy Systems
• Certification in Building Information Modelling and in relevant mechanical modelling tools Experience

Minimum Experience

• A minimum of 8 years post-registration experience in mechanical / building services design and project delivery
• Practical experience preparing HVAC, plumbing, pump and plantroom designs, equipment schedules, and tender documentation
• Demonstrated experience in construction support, site inspections and commissioning of mechanical systems
• Proficiency in mechanical design and BIM tools
• Knowledge of risk management, including the ability to conduct risk analysis and develop appropriate risk mitigation strategies
• Knowledge of interpreting existing Functional and Technical Norms and Standards, as well as developing new ones to support infrastructure delivery.

Desirable Experience

• Involvement in projects integrating ESG or sustainability objectives
• Experience in public sector infrastructure projects, with knowledge of PFMA, Treasury Regulations, and municipal infrastructure guidelines
• Knowledge and understanding of: Health Act and Regulations, National Building Standards Act of 1977 and Regulations, Construction Industry Development Board Act of 2000 and Regulations, Occupational Health and Safety Act of 1993
• Knowledge of the application of the Provincial Infrastructure Delivery Management System [PIDF] and the IDM Toolkit.

Closing Date    
2026/03/10