Mechanical Engineer

Plant & Machinery Engineer (Construction Equipment)

Location: Praia / Santiago Island, Cape Verde

Type: Project Contract

Our client is a leading international engineering and project services company, delivering large-scale infrastructure and development projects across global markets.

We are delivering the Water Supply System Development Project in Santiago Island, Cape Verde. The project encompasses the construction of comprehensive water infrastructure and is being executed under a FIDIC contract framework, involving cross-national team collaboration, rigorous adherence to international engineering standards, and extensive management of the local workforce.

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Plant & Machinery Engineer to join our onsite project team. Reporting directly to the QA/QC Manager, the successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring the quality, reliability, and compliance of mechanical equipment and construction machinery, supporting efficient site operations and ensuring all mechanical installation works meet project specifications and applicable international engineering standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Implement quality requirements for mechanical works in accordance with the Project Quality Plan, approved drawings, technical specifications, applicable standards, and manufacturers’ instructions.
• Review mechanical Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs) and method statements to ensure compliance with project quality requirements.
• Inspect incoming mechanical equipment, piping, valves, fittings, and accessories to verify compliance with approved specifications and project requirements.
• Verify material certificates, inspection reports, equipment condition, and storage arrangements, ensuring all materials and equipment are properly documented and maintained.
• Prepare Material Inspection Requests (MIRs) and identify and report any discrepancies or quality issues.
• Inspect mechanical installation works, including equipment positioning, alignment, levelling, grouting, piping installation, supports, bolted connections, and protective coatings.
• Verify that all mechanical installations comply with approved drawings, technical specifications, and specified tolerances.
• Coordinate with construction teams, subcontractors, and the Engineer / Consultant to arrange inspections and witness testing activities.
• Prepare Work Inspection Requests (WIRs) and ensure all required inspections are completed and approved before subsequent construction activities proceed.
• Witness and monitor pressure tests, leak tests, and mechanical equipment performance tests, as applicable, to ensure compliance with project requirements.
• Identify and document quality deficiencies, issue and follow up on Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs), and verify the effective implementation of corrective actions.
• Monitor and coordinate punch list activities to ensure outstanding quality issues are resolved before commissioning and handover.
• Maintain accurate mechanical inspection records, test reports, calibration certificates, and equipment traceability documentation.
• Review subcontractor quality submissions and ensure all mechanical works comply with approved quality procedures and contractual requirements.
• Compile mechanical quality dossiers and supporting documentation required for commissioning, project completion, and final handover.
• Work closely with construction and QA/QC teams to identify and resolve mechanical quality issues, supporting efficient site progress and successful project delivery.

What We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor's degree or higher diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Construction Machinery, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum 3–5 years' hands-on experience in construction plant and machinery management, mechanical equipment inspection, or related technical roles, preferably on overseas EPC projects.
• Strong technical knowledge of heavy construction equipment, including major manufacturers such as Caterpillar, Komatsu, XCMG, and SANY.
• Good understanding of mechanical diagnostics, hydraulic systems, heavy diesel engines, and construction equipment maintenance and repair.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical inspection procedures, equipment testing, quality documentation, and applicable engineering standards.
• Experience reviewing Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs), method statements, material inspection documentation, and mechanical installation records.
• Understanding of Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs), corrective actions, equipment traceability, and quality handover requirements.
• Proficient in Portuguese and English, with the ability to communicate effectively with local operators, mechanics, suppliers, and project stakeholders.
• Strong practical problem-solving skills, with the ability to respond effectively to equipment issues and urgent technical requirements.
• Highly organised, detail-oriented, and capable of working in a demanding, multicultural construction environment.

Desirable Experience:

• Previous experience working on major water supply, pipeline, infrastructure, or utilities projects.
• Experience inspecting and maintaining heavy construction plant, machinery, and mechanical equipment within international EPC project environments.
• Familiarity with FIDIC project requirements and international mechanical engineering standards.
• Experience coordinating with equipment manufacturers, suppliers, subcontractors, and local maintenance teams.

Help deliver the infrastructure that provides essential water supply for the future – apply now!