Mechanical Design & Estimation Engineer – ECSA – HVAC – Johannesburg

SUMMARY:
Mechanical Design & Estimation Engineer – ECSA – HVAC – Johannesburg

POSITION INFO:

We are seeking a Mechanical Design & Estimation Engineer to join our Estimation Department. The role includes developing detailed designs and preparing accurate cost estimates for mechanical systems in MEP/EPC projects, such as HVAC, plumbing, fire protection, and other related mechanical systems. The ideal candidate will combine strong technical expertise in mechanical engineering with the ability to deliver competitive, compliant, and cost-effective tender submissions.

The successful candidate will ensure that all mechanical designs and estimates are accurate, aligned with South African and international codes and standards, and delivered within deadlines to support both bidding success and project execution.

Minimum requirements:

• B. Engineering Mechanical degree or equivalent.
• Registration with ECSA | Pr. Eng. preferable
• 5 years’ experience in design/estimation.
• Strong understanding of engineering standards, including South African (SANS) and relevant international codes such as ASHRAE, NFPA, and ISO…
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting mechanical design drawings and schematics, with a strong understanding of core mechanical engineering principles and systems.
• Operational experience and familiarity with HVAC, plumbing, fire protection, and related mechanical systems.
• Experience with design and estimation software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit MEP, HAP, or equivalent).
• Exposure to procurement, supplier evaluation, and cost analysis processes.
• Familiarity with standard forms of contract such as FIDIC, JBCC, and NEC will be an added advantage.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, both verbal and written.
• Good team member with concern for details, effectiveness, efficiency, quality and safety.

Key Accountabilities:

• Read carefully the project’s specifications, identify relevant codes and standards (e.g., SANS, ASHRAE, ISO, NFPA…) to have a clear understanding of the design inputs and ensure conformity to requirements.
• Plan and prioritize own work so as to deliver the expected outputs on time, in accordance with supervisor’s guidance.
• Perform load calculations, equipment sizing, and detailed design for HVAC, plumbing, fire protection, and other related mechanical systems.
• Perform design modelling, prepare accurate calculation notes, and develop detailed designs according to the related design manual and predefined design concepts, ensuring error-free, timely, and well-presented deliverables.
• Ensure designs are coordinated with other disciplines (electrical, civil, structural) to eliminate clashes.
• Prepare and update materials take-offs, ensuring design quantities and specifications remain within the allocated project budget.
• Prepare and review technical drawings, schematics, and as-built documentation; develop as-built drawings for executed works; and prepare Operation & Maintenance (O&M) manuals while supporting project teams with technical inputs during execution.
• Communicate professionally through internal correspondence, reports, and meetings, coordinating with relevant departments to provide technical support or receive direction.
• Conduct internal presentations on technical subjects to enhance presentation skills, prepare for external presentations, and share knowledge with colleagues.
• Support other departments and guide CAD operators to ensure delivery of high-quality outputs.
• Perform QA/QC activities on own and peers’ designs to detect, analyze, and eliminate discrepancies, while positively accepting feedback and applying lessons learned to continuously improve skills and prevent recurring mistakes.
• Review tender documents to gain a clear understanding of project type and scope, and discuss relevant requirements and specifications with the estimation team to ensure conformity during the estimation process.
• Prepare preliminary designs or pre-dimensioning for bids on time, ensuring compliance with tender requirements.
• Prepare detailed BOQs to confirm project quantities for pricing.
• Request and evaluate supplier quotations in conjunction with the procurement department, analyze for compliance, and recommend suitable options.

• Collaborate with relevant departments to compile the complete project offer, ensuring that all technical, financial, and commercial aspects are accurately integrated, reviewed, and aligned with the tender requirements and the company''s standards before submission.

Performance Indicators:

• Ability to identify and apply relevant design codes and standards, including South African (SANS) and international requirements, ensuring all designs conform to standards, manuals, requirements, and best engineering practices.
• Quality of work planning/organization.
• Timely execution of assigned tasks.
• Deliver error-free designs, accurate calculation notes, and detailed priced BOQs, ensuring all outputs are submitted on time.
• Quality of quotations requested, analyzed, and compared for conformity to project specifications.
• Quality and timeliness of inputs provided for the estimation scope, ensuring accurate project costing.
• Participation in compiling the final project offer, ensuring all estimation and technical aspects are accurate and aligned with tender requirements.
• Contribution to winning competitive tenders through accurate and professional estimation work.

Competencies:

• Strong planning, organizational, and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to prepare and deliver technical clarifications to clients and stakeholders during tender stages.
• Ability to interact professionally with clients, consultants, and stakeholders during site visits, tender clarifications, and technical meetings.
• Strong negotiation and evaluation skills when dealing with suppliers and subcontractors to ensure competitive and compliant quotations.
• Commercial awareness and ability to balance technical requirements against cost, risk, and project profitability.
• Proven ability to manage multiple tenders and deliverables simultaneously under strict deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-disciplinary team (electrical, civil, structural, procurement, and project management).
• Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy, efficiency, and quality.
• Commitment to workplace safety and compliance with OHSA requirements.

Salary offer: R49K to R65K