The following position has become available within Chimerical Technology (Pty) Ltd:
Chimerical Technology is a multidisciplinary engineering company specialized in the design, development, fabrication, and optimization of industrial membrane and hydrometallurgical technologies for water, uranium, copper, cobalt, rare earth elements (REEs), and other chemical and mining operations. Chimerical Technology’s core expertise lies in reagent recovery, metals concentration and purification, and water decontamination.
Position: Mechanical Engineer
Location: Somerset West, Cape Town (In Office)
Reporting to: Mechanical Manager & Engineering Executive
Experience required: Minimum 5+ years relevant experience in water treatment, industrial, or process environments
Contract: 12 (Twelve) months fixed term, with potential for permanent placement. The appointment will include a probationary period with clearly defined performance expectations.
Job Summary:
- This role is responsible for delivering detailed mechanical engineering design and technical support across multidisciplinary process plant projects. The position requires strong technical competence in pumps and pressure systems, piping, and rotating equipment, combined with practical, hands-on experience in fabrication, commissioning, and troubleshooting. Strong candidates will have a firm grasp and substantial experience both on the theoretical as well as the practical side of mechanical engineering.
- The successful candidate will operate within a small, high-performance engineering team and must be capable of working independently, taking ownership of deliverables, and maintaining high standards of engineering accuracy and documentation.
Key Duties & Responsibilities:
Mechanical Engineering (Design & Execution):
- Develop and review mechanical designs for process systems, including piping, pumps, valves, and support structures
- Coordinate with draughtsmen in the production and modification of 3D CAD models and detailed engineering drawings (SolidWorks or Inventor preferred)
- Perform mechanical design calculations (flow, pressure drop, stress, and equipment sizing)
- Assist in equipment selection, specification, and procurement (pumps, membranes, valves, instrumentation interfaces)
- Conduct mechanical integrity and pressure rating assessments
Process & Systems Integration:
- Support development and review of P&IDs and Bills of Materials (BOMs)
- Integrate mechanical systems with process and electrical disciplines
- Ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, and design specifications
Commissioning & Troubleshooting:
- Assist with on-site commissioning, testing, and performance verification
- Troubleshoot operational issues in pump, piping, and membrane systems
- Provide practical solutions to field and fabrication-related challenges
Coordination & Documentation:
- Maintain accurate engineering documentation and revision control
- Support procurement, fabrication, and installation teams with technical input
- Prepare technical reports and design justifications where required
Required Skills & Knowledge:
- Strong understanding of fluid mechanics, pressure systems, and mechanical design fundamentals
- Experience with pump selection, piping systems, and high-pressure equipment
- Familiarity with membrane systems (RO, UF, NF) or similar process technologies
- Ability to perform engineering calculations and interpret results correctly
- Experience with materials selection, corrosion, and compatibility
- SolidWorks or Inventor
- AutoCAD (Plant 3D advantageous)
- Microsoft Office Suite (report generation/advanced formatting, Excel queries, pivot tables, etc)
- Familiarity with applicable standards (ISO, ASME, EN, OHS)
- Basic understanding of electrical systems (motors, VSDs, instrumentation)
- Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting capability
- Experience in hands-on environments (fabrication, assembly, or field work)
Required Education & Qualifications:
- B.Eng or B.Sc in Mechanical Engineering (Required)
- Minimum 5+ years relevant mechanical engineering experience in water treatment, industrial, or process environments
- Valid driver’s license
Competencies & Behaviours:
- Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
- Strong accountability, ownership, and integrity.
- Proactive, practical, solutions-driven mindset
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Strong organizational and time-management skills
- Comfortable working under pressure and meeting deadlines
- Willingness to travel locally and internationally (<25%)
- Professional proficiency in English (spoken and written)
This role is not suitable for candidates who:
- Require close supervision or highly structured environments
- Prefer purely theoretical or office-based engineering roles without practical involvement; or the inverse
- Lack experience in pressure systems, piping, or process plant environments
- Are not comfortable taking ownership of deliverables in a small-team environment
- Lack the relevant B.Eng or B.Sc degree in Mechanical Engineering
Application Process:
- Only candidates who fully meet the stated requirements should apply. Shortlisting will be based strictly on demonstrated experience and suitability for a hands-on mechanical engineering role within a small, growing organization. Shortlisted candidates will be required to provide professional references.
- No calls and/or walk-ins will be entertained.
- This is a full-time, on-site position. Remote work is not available.
Closing date: 30 Sep 2026
- Should you not receive a response within 2 (two) weeks after the closing date, please consider your application as unsuccessful.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: R40 000,00 - R45 000,00 per month
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Somerset West, Western Cape: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)
Application Question(s):
- Do you have a valid driver's license and reliable transport?
- What is the notice period at your current job?
- Mechanical Design & Pressure Systems
Describe your level of experience in mechanical design and pressure systems.
(Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert)
Provide a brief overview of the types of systems you have worked on and your specific responsibilities.
- Process Plant & Membrane Systems Experience
What is your experience with process plants, water treatment, or membrane-based systems (RO, UF, NF)?
(Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert)
Provide examples of projects or systems you have worked on.
Describe your proficiency with SolidWorks, Inventor, and AutoCAD (including Plant 3D if applicable).
(Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert)
Provide examples of models or drawings you have produced.
- Engineering Calculations & Technical Competence
Describe your experience performing engineering calculations (e.g., flow, pressure drop, pump sizing, stress).
(Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert)
Provide an example of where your calculations influenced a design decision.
- Attention to Detail & Quality Control
Describe your level of attention to detail in engineering design and documentation.
(Low, Below Average, Average, High, Exceptional)
Provide a specific example where your attention to detail materially impacted a project outcome.
- Ownership & Accountability
Describe your ability to take ownership of engineering projects and deliverables to ensure quality and timeliness.
Provide an example of a project or task where you were fully responsible for the outcome.
- Site & Hands-On Experience
Describe your experience with commissioning, troubleshooting, or working in fabrication/field environments.
(Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert)
Provide examples of issues you resolved.
- Describe your hobbies, interests, or activities outside of work.
Provide a few examples of what you enjoy doing in your free time and, where relevant, how actively you pursue these interests.
Education:
Experience:
- Mechanical Engineer: 4 years (Required)
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: In person
