CHIEF ENGINEER: MECHANICAL: ENGINEERING SERVICES [GRADE A- B] (X1 POST) re-advert

This senior engineering post is located within the Provincial Office of the Limpopo Department of Health in Polokwane, as part of the Engineering Services unit. The Chief Engineer: Mechanical role is a re-advertised, senior professional position responsible for directing and managing a broad portfolio of complex mechanical engineering activities that underpin the province’s health infrastructure. The incumbent will provide strategic leadership and technical direction, ensuring that all engineering designs, maintenance strategies and projects are executed in accordance with the Provincial Infrastructure Delivery Management System, relevant legislation, policies, frameworks and instruction notes. The successful candidate will help translate the departmental health services plan into tangible engineering solutions, balancing innovation with operational reliability. The post offers an all-inclusive remuneration package, with the level determined by the candidate’s years of experience after professional registration.

Candidates must hold an appropriate Degree in Mechanical Engineering and be registered as a Professional Engineer with the Engineering Council of South Africa. A minimum of six years’ post-registration experience is required. Experience in a healthcare environment or another similarly complex setting will be a strong advantage, as it provides insight into the unique pressures of hospitals, clinics and related facilities. The role demands sound computer literacy, including MS Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint, as well as proficiency with virtual meeting platforms. The incumbent must be prepared to travel extensively throughout Limpopo and work longer hours as operational needs arise. A valid driver’s licence is essential, except in the case of applicants with disabilities who are unable to hold such a licence.

The core duties include undertaking engineering designs and performing final reviews and approvals of audits on new designs, applying sound engineering principles and theory. The Chief Engineer will manage the execution of maintenance strategies by establishing appropriate structures, systems and resources, and will set maintenance standards, specifications and service levels that align with organisational objectives. Day-to-day responsibilities also involve monitoring maintenance efficiency to ensure optimum operational availability and redirecting services where necessary. The post carries project management accountability, including loading project documents and updating information on the data management system. The incumbent will manage compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and related legislation, undertake research, manage staff, and take responsibility for budgets. Strong analytical skills are needed to understand and interpret engineering specifications, prepare technical reports and submissions, conduct risk analyses, and develop mitigation strategies. The ability to apply computer-aided engineering applications and to extract and interpret information from related information systems is also essential for effective planning and budget preparation.

This is a demanding strategic role suited to a professional mechanical engineer who can navigate complex procurement processes, manage diverse programmes and provide technical mentorship. Applicants should be fully aware of the post’s conditions and requirements before applying, as the department expects successful candidates to operate with a high degree of autonomy and accountability in the delivery of engineering services.