Principal Thermal Engineer

Principal Thermal Engineer – WSP South Africa

WSP South Africa is seeking an experienced Senior Thermal Power Plant Engineer to serve as a senior technical consultant on gas turbine and gas engine projects across Southern Africa and support international business as required.

• Provide high‑quality technical advisory works.
• Manage project interfaces between mechanical, electrical, civil, control and instrumentation disciplines.
• Prepare functional designs, specifications and tender documents for thermal power plant projects to internationally accepted standards.
• Review detailed designs from OEMs or EPCs submitted by contractors.
• Conduct site audits and contribute to project scoping.
• Assess technical performance of thermal power plants.
• Support construction monitoring, factory inspections, testing and progress tracking during execution phases.
• Prepare proposals for consultancy services.

• BSc Engineering (Electrical or Mechanical) degree.
• 8+ years of experience on gas turbines and gas engines in simple and combined cycle.
• In‑depth knowledge and field expertise in power plant modelling, design, construction supervision and commissioning.
• Technical advisory experience to investors, project developers and banks.
• Knowledge of gas infrastructure in Southern Africa.
• Proven business development experience.
• Experience with various OEM gas turbine and gas engine models.
• International thermal power plant project development and delivery experience.
• Experience covering feasibility, development engineering, construction monitoring, witnessing, testing, commissioning and operational monitoring/inspections.
• Knowledge of thermal plant modelling software – including Thermoflow.
• ECSA registration as a Candidate required; preference for candidates already professionally registered with ECSA.

• Minimum 8 years experience in thermal power plants.
• Team‑oriented with strong communication skills.
• Excellent technical report writing ability.
• Strong time, quality and effort management to deliver projects within time and cost constraints.
• Capable of coordinating and managing projects under pressure.
• Ability to function independently.

Work‑life balance is a priority. Choose working from home, part‑time or flexible hours to suit your needs. Competitive pay, generous annual leave, medical cover and professional subscriptions are part of the benefits package.

WSP fosters an inclusive culture and encourages applications from qualified candidates irrespective of gender, race, religion, age, disability, or other protected characteristics.

WSP is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals with diverse experiences and backgrounds.