Graduate Engineer to support Optimal's asset performance, reliability and digital engineering projects while developing the technical, consulting and client-facing skills needed to grow into a well-rounded professional engineer. The role is suited to a recent graduate who is curious, digitally confident, highly organised and keen to learn through real project work.
We are not looking for someone who already knows everything. We are looking for sound engineering fundamentals, a strong learning mindset and the confidence to ask good questions, analyse evidence and explain ideas clearly to clients.
ABOUT OPTIMAL
Optimal helps organisations improve the reliability, performance and management of their physical assets through engineering expertise, practical consulting and digital solutions. Our work brings together technical knowledge, data and disciplined project delivery to create measurable operational value for clients.
What success looks like
- Technical work is accurate, evidence-based and completed to the agreed quality and deadline.
- Project data and records are well organised, traceable and ready for review.
- Technical findings are translated into clear reports, visuals and client presentations.
- The graduate actively seeks feedback, applies it and takes increasing ownership of work.
- Clients and colleagues experience the graduate as prepared, curious, dependable and professional.
Key responsibilities
Engineering and project delivery
- Support asset management, maintenance, reliability, operational performance and digital engineering assignments under the guidance of experienced consultants.
- Gather, clean and analyse asset, maintenance, production and performance data, checking its quality before drawing conclusions.
- Assist with asset registers, equipment hierarchies, criticality assessments, maintenance strategies, OEE analysis and reliability-improvement activities.
- Participate in site surveys, equipment verification, interviews and workshops, and maintain clear records of findings and actions.
- Complete calculations, research and technical analysis, clearly documenting assumptions, methods and sources.
- Help prepare project plans, trackers, reports, technical notes and client deliverables.
- Use Excel and other analytical tools to organise data, identify patterns and communicate insights.
- Support dashboards, visualisations and digital workflows that help clients understand and improve asset performance.
- Develop practical familiarity with CMMS/EAM platforms, condition-monitoring systems, OEE tools and predictive or data-driven approaches.
- Learn new software quickly and contribute ideas for using automation, analytics and technology to improve project delivery.
Client engagement and communication
- Attend client meetings, workshops and site visits, arriving prepared and contributing appropriately.
- Prepare clear presentation slides, charts and technical summaries for both engineering and non-technical audiences.
- Present assigned sections of project work and respond to questions honestly, escalating matters that require senior input.
- Communicate professionally in writing and in person, protect confidential information and represent Optimal positively.
Learning and professional development
- Build knowledge of asset management, reliability engineering, maintenance, operational performance and relevant industry standards.
- Take part in technical training, mentoring and structured feedback, maintaining an active development plan.
- Seek context, test assumptions and share learning with the wider team.
Qualifications and experience
- A recently completed engineering degree or equivalent qualification, for example Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Mechatronics, Chemical Engineering or another relevant discipline.
- Typically 0–2 years of relevant experience; internships, vacation work, university projects and practical assignments are valued.
- A sound understanding of engineering principles and a structured approach to problem-solving.
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint, with confidence learning unfamiliar digital tools.
- Strong written and spoken communication, including the ability to present technical information clearly.
- Willingness to travel to client sites when project work requires it.
Desirable exposure
- Asset management, maintenance, reliability, manufacturing, production systems, condition monitoring or OEE.
- Data visualisation or analysis using tools such as Power BI, Python, SQL, MATLAB or similar.
- CMMS/EAM systems, digital engineering platforms or automation tools.
- University, internship or volunteer work involving teamwork, report writing or presentations to an audience.
Personal qualities
- Curious and willing to learn , asks thoughtful questions and actively seeks to understand how and why things work.
- Technically grounded and analytical, works logically and bases conclusions on evidence.
- IT savvy and adaptable, comfortable exploring data, software and new ways of working.
- Highly organised, plans work, keeps reliable records and meets commitments.
- Client ready, confident presenting in front of clients while remaining honest about the limits of current knowledge.
- Coachability and ownership, receives feedback positively, applies it and takes responsibility for outcomes.
- Collaborative and professional, contributes to the team and communicates with respect.
Development opportunity
The role offers exposure to varied client environments, mentoring from experienced consultants and progressive responsibility across technical analysis, project delivery and client presentations. As capability grows, the graduate will be expected to take ownership of defined work packages and contribute to the development of Optimal's engineering and digital solutions.
How to Apply: If you are are an early career Asset Management professional looking for impactful engagements with a leading consultancy, please submit your CV/resume along with a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience and availability to [email protected]
Pay: R15 842,37 - R17 756,90 per month
Application Question(s):
- Do you hold Certification in vibration analysis?
Education:
Experience:
- vibration analysis: 1 year (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
