Lead Mechanical Engineer DC

Zutari: Co-creating an engineered impact.

Zutari is a well-established, management-owned engineering firm with almost 90 years' experience. As human-centred engineering consultants and advisors, we are trusted by our clients, business partners, communities and other stakeholders across Africa.

We co-create engineering solutions that have a positive impact and improve people's lives. Zutari values inclusion and recognises the importance of a diverse, talented workforce, believing that people need other people to succeed.

What kind of talent do we pursue?

We employ people with the right attitude and a positive mindset, who are motivated by doing the right thing, getting things done and share a sense of urgency. People who have an impact in our teams and broader community. People who think differently and connect with those around them to co-create new opportunities and leave a meaningful legacy.

Role overview

As a Lead Mechanical Engineer, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the future of data centre infrastructure. You’ll lead technical delivery, mentor teams, and engage with global clients and stakeholders to co-create resilient, efficient, and scalable solutions.

Role responsibilities

Project Leadership & Delivery:

• Lead HVAC design and execution for data centre projects across all phases.
• Have a sound understanding of BIM delivery models and ways of working
• Manage resources, prepare fee estimates, resource forecasts, timelines, risks, scope, and financial performance, keeping clients informed all to ensure high quality delivery.
• Oversee tender processes, including technical reviews and contractor deliverables.
• Draft technical reports, specifications, and basis of design documents.
• Maintain project documentation, including BIM aspects, aligned with internal QA standards.

Technical Excellence & Innovation:

• Ensure compliance with international and local electrical standards (e.g. ASHRAE, Uptime Institute, etc.).
• Promote resilient, efficient, and scalable mechanical design solutions.
• Deliver resilient, efficient, and scalable mechanical solutions (HVAC, wet/fire services, vertical transportation and fuel systems).
• Perform CFD analyses for plant design.
• Stay ahead of emerging technologies and drive innovation in design and delivery.
• Maintain strong relationships with vendors and suppliers.

Team & Stakeholder Engagement:

• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams and engage with clients and contractors.
• Lead technical workshops and foster knowledge sharing.
• Mentor and develop junior engineers.
• Oversee quality of outputs, including modelling and data management.

Business Development:

• Represent Zutari at international forums and industry events.
• Support proposal development and contribute to strategic growth initiatives.

Minimum requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (B.Eng, BSc.Eng,) with Professional Registration (Pr Eng).
• Minimum 8 years’ experience in mechanical design, with at least 3 years in data centre or mission-critical environments.
• Proven leadership in delivering large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Strong understanding of local & international codes & standards, including those applicable to South Africa and Middle East.
• Proficiency in Carier HAP/IES, Cadence, Windchill, ACC, Revit , Navisworks and BIM workflows
• Proven leadership in delivering large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Strong knowledge of cooling technologies, airflow management, thermal modelling and redundancy requirements for cooling systems.
• Strong knowledge of water and fuel system design and distribution, run time storage requirements for back-up power generation (i.e. fuel storage) and redundancy requirements for fuel and wet services systems.
• Familiarity with hyperscale and colocation data centre environments.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience working with global and remote teams.
• International project experience and ability to manage geographically dispersed teams.
• Understanding of sustainability and energy efficiency in mechanical systems.

We believe that a diverse workforce is key to our business success.  We seek the best people for our jobs based on their skills, qualifications, and experience.  We embrace the principle of equal opportunity in employment and work towards eliminating all forms of unlawful discrimination in our employment practices.  In support of diversity and the equal opportunity principle, preference will be given to individuals from designated groups in South Africa.