Position Title: Engineering Manager _ Mechanical

Requisition ID: 1272

Department: Properties and Services

City: Cape Town

ENGINEERING MANAGER - MECHANICAL

PC 12

Maintenance & Operations Department

Properties and Services

Maintenance and Operations Division, within Properties and Services Department (P&S), is seeking an Engineering Manager – Mechanical that will establish and lead the Mechanical Business Unit, overseeing all mechanical systems across the university campuses. The role ensures reliable operation, statutory compliance, and energy-efficient performance of HVAC systems, service water heating (heat pumps, boilers), gas reticulation, fire safety systems

(sprinklers, fire curtains, portable devices), lifts and elevators, pumps and motors, and specialised faculty-procured mechanical equipment. The unit is responsible for managing corrective, planned, and preventative maintenance as well as coordinating all minor and major mechanical projects.

Requirements include:

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering (B.Eng or BSc Eng) (NQF Level 8)
Professional mechanical engineer (Pr.Eng in good standing (ECSA)) with at least 10 years’ relevant experience in mechanical engineering, including operations, maintenance, and project design.
Proven leadership and management experience in directing multi-disciplinary teams. Strong knowledge of HVAC systems, service water heating (boilers, heat pumps), fire protection and life safety systems, lifts and elevators, gas installations, pumps, and specialized mechanical equipment.
Familiarity with mechanical and fire safety codes, SANS standards, ASHRAE, NFPA, EN regulations, and OHS Act legislation.
Computer Literacy with proficiency in MS Office 365, MS Word, Ms Excel, Ms Outlook, MS Power BI.
Knowledge of Autodesk AutoCAD and Revit (for design drawing reviews, as-built updates, and project integration). Computerised Management Maintenance System (CMMS) modules (linked to Archibus or similar) for preventative and corrective maintenance scheduling. Building Management Systems (BMS) and integration with SCADA platforms for HVAC, fire detection, and vertical transportation systems. HVAC Design & Analysis Software Standards and Codes - National: SANS 10400 (Building Regulations – Fire Protection), SANS 347 (Pressure Equipment), OHS Act, SANS 10139 (Fire Detection), SANS 10287 (Boilers), SANS 10252/3 (Water Services), Gas Regulations, Lift Regulations.
Valid South African Driver’s License (Minimum Code B).
Medically fit with ability to work at height and in confined spaces.

Responsibilities include but not limited to:

Lead and manage the Mechanical Business Unit, including engineers, inspectors, technicians, and support staff.
Oversee the operation, maintenance, and optimisation of all mechanical systems across UCT campuses (HVAC, boilers, pumps, lifts, fire systems, gas, and specialised mechanical equipment).
Ensure statutory compliance, safety, and risk management across all mechanical infrastructure and fire safety systems.
Coordinate, review, and approve mechanical designs for all minor and major projects, ensuring compliance with UCT standards and regulatory requirements.
Drive energy efficiency initiatives, monitor mechanical utility performance, and identify opportunities for consumption and cost reduction.
Manage specialised faculty-procured equipment requiring mechanical integration (e.g., lab HVAC, fume cupboards, clean rooms).
Lead lifecycle asset management, preventative maintenance programmes, and reliability improvement initiatives.
Oversee contractor performance, service level agreements, and quality assurance of all mechanical works.
Contribute to building a strong P&S culture, promoting teamwork, accountability, and professional integrity in all operations.

The annual cost of employment, including benefits for 2025, is between R 1 096 962 and R 1 290 542.

To apply, please visit the UCT Careers Site and View to create a profile and submit your application.

Please complete/attach the following to your profile before submitting your application:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• A letter of motivation clearly addressing your qualifications for the various responsibilities listed above

• Pr.Eng (ECSA)) membership

• Three referee names which must include their title and name, position details, relationship to you, their e-mail address and telephone number

Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo competency assessment and will be required to undergo medical assessments. References may be requested by UCT at any stage of the selection process.

Any inquiries for this position are to be addressed to Ms Natasha Khan at natasha.khan@uct.ac.za or 021 650 3469. Please do not send or submit job application/CV via this e-mail.

Closing Date: 4 March 2026

Website: About Properties and Services | Staff

UCT is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups. Our Employment Equity Policy is available at https://uct.ac.za/media/9482.

When you apply for a position at UCT, we collect your personal information to assess your application, communicate with you, and coordinate interview logistics. Information such as race, gender, nationality, and disability status is used to support our Employment Equity obligations. We also verify your references, qualifications, conduct criminal and, for certain roles, credit checks.

For more information about how the University of Cape Town uses personal information and your rights, please email popia@uct.ac.za.

The University reserves the right to extend the closing date for applications if deemed necessary and reserves the right to make no appointment.