Contracts​/Project Engineer

Direct message the job poster from Marine and Refrigeration Engineering

Established in 1995, MRE has grown to operate across South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, including the Indian Ocean Islands. The company represents leading global manufacturers of compressors, valves, and control systems within the refrigeration industry.

MRE provides end-to-end industrial refrigeration solutions, offering consultation, design, supply, installation, maintenance, and after-sales support for new builds, extensions, and refurbishments, delivered by highly skilled service teams.

The Contracts / Project Engineer is responsible for leading, planning, coordinating and executing industrial refrigeration and mechanical construction projects. This includes managing project scope, schedules, budgets, procurement, regulatory compliance, SHEQ requirements, and all on-site construction and commissioning activities. The role provides technical expertise, ensures engineering best practices are followed, coordinates internal teams and subcontractors, and maintains strong communication with clients, suppliers, senior leadership and regulatory bodies.

The position requires hands‑on project management experience, strong technical capability, and the ability to ensure that projects are delivered safely, profitably and to specification.

• Develop and manage project plans covering scope, schedules, budgets and resource requirements.
• Coordinate all phases of work including design, procurement, construction, testing and commissioning.
• Track project progress, identify risks, elevate delays and adjust plans to meet milestones.
• Generate pipe design packs, P&, QCPs, data packs, material traceability documents and pressure test records for AIA submission.
• Liaise with the AIA regarding design approvals, pressure testing, NDT coordination and regulatory compliance.
• Source, evaluate and procure materials, consumables and capital equipment aligned to engineering specifications.
• Obtain and compare quotations, negotiate pricing and delivery terms and ensure cost‑effective procurement.
• Coordinate supplier deliveries and collections and manage logistics between sites, suppliers and contractors.
• Coordinate daily project activities with technicians and drivers and assign work when the branch manager is unavailable.
• Manage subcontractors, ensuring understanding of scope, timelines and quality expectations.
• Conduct site visits for briefings, progress inspections, measurements and issue resolution.
• Ensure technicians have the required calibrated tools, nitrogen, regulators, pumps and specialised equipment.
• Engage with clients to coordinate works, resolve issues, provide updates and maintain strong working relationships.
• Represent MRE at client, contractor and project meetings and communicate progress and challenges effectively.
• Compile job estimates and quotations and submit them to clients for approval.
• Compile, update and submit safety files and ensure medicals, inductions and all training requirements remain valid.
• Enforce SHEQ compliance and ensure safety standards and site rules are adhered to at all times.
• Approve technician and contractor timesheets and verify the accuracy of hours worked.
• Liaise with administration regarding vehicle servicing to minimise operational disruptions.
• Maintain accurate project documentation for audits, close‑outs and regulatory submissions.
• Review project outcomes, identify lessons learned and recommend improvements for future projects.

• A mechanical engineering qualification at diploma or degree level from an accredited institution.
• Minimum 3 – 5 years’ experience in construction project management, preferably in mechanical or refrigeration environments.
• Experience with industrial refrigeration projects (advantageous).
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting ISO and P&.
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD and Microsoft Projects.
• Solid understanding of construction contracts (JBCC, FIDIC, etc.).
• Strong knowledge of SHEQ, OHS and quality standards in construction environments.
• Valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel between sites.
• Ability to work extended hours during critical project phases

• Self‑motivated, results driven and able to work independently.
• Strong leadership, organisational and communication skills.
• High attention to detail and exceptional planning ability.
• Effective stakeholder management and relationship building capability.
• Proactive problem solver with strong analytical and technical reasoning.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and operate under pressure.
• Professional behaviour, accountability and commitment to quality standards.

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Industrial Machinery Manufacturing

Durban, Kwa Zulu-Natal, South Africa