Senior Mechanical Engineer (SPM)

The Senior Mechanical Engineer is responsible for providing technical support to operations, ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient performance of mechanical systems across surface facilities. The role also leads the identification, development, and execution of small to medium projects, focused on performance improvement, risk reduction, and asset integrity.

Utilise authoritative levels of experience in Mechanical engineering to manage and / or execute complex and / or specialised design, engineering, development, repair and/ or modification of mechanical equipment and plant.

This position plays a key role in bridging operations and engineering, ensuring issues are resolved promptly while driving continuous improvement initiatives.

Coach and guide fellow team members, providing technical direction on engineering deliverables and risk decisions.

Key Accountabilities

Operations Support

• Provide day-to-day mechanical engineering support to operations teams across facilities (e.g., compressors, pumps, heat exchangers, pipelines, utilities).
• Troubleshoot mechanical equipment failures and performance issues, ensuring quick resolution and minimal production impact.
• Develop fit for purpose technical solutions to restore pressure equipment integrity of aging plant.
• Support shutdown planning and execution, including scope definition, method statements, and post-shutdown reviews.
• Align and coordinate with Asset integrity and reliability team to ensure compliance on the following: vibration monitoring, lubrication, condition monitoring.
• Review and optimize maintenance strategies related to mechanical equipment, together with the reliability and integrity team (preventive, predictive, and corrective).
• Participate in root cause analysis (RCA) and implement sustainable solutions.
• Create, develop and update mechanical engineering systems, tools, specifications and standards.
• Capture, document and implement best practices including mechanical engineering related concessions.

Small Projects Identification & Execution

• Identify improvement opportunities related to:
• Production optimization
• Energy efficiency
• Equipment reliability
• Safety and risk mitigation
• Develop project scopes, technical specifications, and cost estimates.
• Manage execution of small to medium brownfield projects, including:
• Equipment upgrades/modifications
• Debottlenecking initiatives
• System improvements
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams (process, electrical, instrumentation, maintenance).
• Ensure projects are delivered:
• On time
• Within budget
• In compliance with company and regulatory standards
• Manage contractors and vendors, including technical evaluations and supervision.

Technical Governance & Standards

• Ensure adherence to engineering standards, codes, and best practices (API, ASME, ISO).
• Review and approve engineering deliverables, drawings, and modifications.
• Provide input into Management of Change (MoC) processes.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Act as a technical authority for mechanical systems within the facility.
• Coach and mentor junior engineers and technicians.
• Foster a strong safety culture and promote operational discipline.
• Support cross-functional coordination between operations, maintenance, and projects teams.

Formal Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering

Working Experience

8+ relevant years in oil & gas or heavy industry

Required Personal and Professional Skills

BC_Builds Effective Teams

BC_Customer Focus

BC_Decision Quality

BC_Ensures Accountability

BC_Manages Complexity

TC_Engineering design

TC_Engineering Implementation

TC_Planning and Organisation

TC_Review and Reporting

TC_Troubleshoots Technical Issues

Sasol is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Inspired by our Purpose of “Innovating for a better world”, Sasol acknowledges that diversity is intrinsic to the fabric of our organisation and is the key to our growth and success. Sasol is committed to the full inclusion of all suitably qualified individuals. Preference will be given to applicants from designated groups and people with disabilities according to Sasol’s Employment Equity Plan. This includes reasonable accommodation to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Our automated process is designed to efficiently assess a large volume of applications. Should you not hear from us within 60 days of the advert closing then kindly consider your application unsuccessful. Thank you once-more for your interest in Sasol as your employer of choice, and we wish you all the best with your career aspirations and future applications with us.

HOW TO APPLY?

To apply, access the following link: 

Senior Mechanical Engineer (SPM) Job Details | Sasol