Cape Town: HVAC MECHANICAL DESIGNER posted by West Coast Personnel

You will join a specialist design team delivering Mechanical, Electrical, Refrigeration and Ventilation solutions within the supermarket / retail sector. The role is structured to support your transition from CAD Technician to Design Engineer through formal mentoring, training, and hands-on project exposure.
You will start within the CAD department to embed drawing standards and systems, while gradually taking on design responsibility across HVAC and Refrigeration disciplines.
COMPANY COMMITMENT

• Structured mentorship programme with clear objectives and milestones
• Ongoing technical training and development
• Supportive team environment with access to senior engineers
• Direct mentorship from the Head of Feasibility & Design
• Realistic development timelines with patience and guidance

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
(Training will be provided)
Project Management & Coordination

• Manage and track project scope and schedule changes
• Maintain communication with delivery teams, coordinators and stakeholders
• Attend online client meetings and internal/external design reviews
• Respond to design queries and resolve technical issues

HVAC & Refrigeration Design

• Perform heat load and refrigeration load calculations
• Size HVAC and refrigeration equipment
• Produce retail ME&R design layouts
• Develop pipe sizing calculations and isometric drawings

Design & Engineering Management

• Interpret client plans, briefs and specifications
• Produce detailed engineering drawings for tender and construction
• Review designs with clients, consultants and internal teams
• Address consultant audits and engineering reports

Stakeholder Management

• Liaise with internal teams, consultants, architects and suppliers
• Coordinate across architecture, engineering and construction teams

Documentation & Reporting

• Prepare and review technical reports and site documentation
• Manage drawing revisions and design change tracking

Compliance & Standards

• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations and standards, including:
• UK Building Regulations
• EN378
• CDM
• PESR

Sustainability & Innovation

• Design with focus on energy efficiency, TCO and low-carbon solutions

ESSENTIAL COMPETENCIES & EXPERIENCE

• Strong AutoCAD foundation (essential)
• Background in Mechanical, Electrical, Refrigeration, Construction, Architecture or Structural fields
• Solid understanding of engineering principles and drawing production
• High attention to detail with strong organisational skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently (typically 3–4 schemes)
• Strong communication and coordination skills
• Structured, methodical and results-driven approach
• Positive, flexible mindset with a strong willingness to learn

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

• Diploma or Certificate in Drafting, Mechanical Engineering or related field
• Minimum 4 years AutoCAD drafting/design experience
• Proficient in AutoCAD 2018 or newer (2D & 3D)

TEAMWORK & CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

• Contribute to best practices and design improvements
• Stay current with ME&R industry developments
• Support SOP development and refinement
• Proactively follow up on open tasks and information requests

NICE TO HAVE (NOT ESSENTIAL)

• Experience with Revit, Inventor, SolidWorks or similar
• BIM exposure
• HVAC / Mechanical / Electrical / Refrigeration certifications
• Understanding of sustainable design principles

WHAT’S ON OFFER

• 3-month probation period
• Permanent full-time employment
• Hybrid working (home & office)
• 15 days annual leave + public holidays
• Additional annual leave after year one (up to 21 days)
• Career progression and development path
• Competitive salary (experience dependent)
• Laptop and external screen provided