Senior Mechanical Engineer

Tatu City is part of Rendeavour, Africa's largest urban land developer with over 30,000 acres of visionary projects in the growth trajectories of large cities in Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Rendeavour's vision goes beyond alleviating a self-evident problem – stifling urban congestion and a dearth of quality housing and commercial property in Africa. Rather, we aim to help create the infrastructure – the living and working spaces, communities, schools and hospitals – that will help sustain and accelerate Africa's economic growth, meet the aspirations of Africa's burgeoning middle classes, and catalyse further urban development. Tatu City is a 4,500-acre, mixed-use special economic zone located approximately 25 km from the centre of Nairobi.

We are seeking a highly skilled and innovative Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead the design and implementation of all mechanical systems for our portfolio of large-scale, complex building projects. This critical role requires an expert in HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection systems who can drive projects from the conceptual design phase through to commissioning and handover. The ideal candidate will not only possess deep technical expertise but will also serve as a key mentor to our developing engineers, enhancing the team's overall capability. This position acts as a vital link between the design team and on-site execution, demanding a hands-on leader who can ensure the performance, efficiency, and seamless integration of all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems.

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY

Mechanical System Design & Technical Leadership:

• Lead the comprehensive design of mechanical systems for high-rise, commercial, and industrial projects, including HVAC, plumbing, drainage, and fire protection systems.
• Perform and oversee detailed engineering calculations, including heating and cooling load analysis, energy modelling, and hydraulic simulations, to ensure system optimisation and code compliance.
• Prepare and approve all technical design documentation, including detailed drawings, system schematics, equipment specifications, and performance criteria.
• Conduct rigorous value engineering on mechanical systems to optimise for energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and long-term sustainability without compromising performance.
• Stay current with the latest industry technologies, building codes, and standards (e.g., ASHRAE, NFPA, IPC) to ensure all designs are safe, compliant, and innovative.

Project Execution & Construction Support:

• Act as the lead technical authority for mechanical systems during the construction phase, providing expert guidance to site teams and resolving complex installation challenges.
• Manage and respond to all mechanical-related Requests for Information (RFIs) and review contractor submittals to ensure adherence to design intent and specifications.
• Conduct regular site inspections to monitor the quality of installation, witness equipment testing, and ensure compliance with design documents and safety standards.
• Collaborate closely with architects, structural engineers, and other disciplines to ensure the seamless integration of MEP systems within the overall building design.
• Oversee the commissioning process of mechanical systems to verify performance and facilitate a smooth handover to the client and facility management teams.

Team Development & Mentorship:

• Mentor and train junior and intermediate mechanical engineers, providing guidance on design best practices, calculation methods, and the use of engineering software.
• Delegate design tasks effectively, reviewing the work of team members to ensure technical accuracy, quality, and professional growth.
• Foster a culture of technical excellence and collaboration, encouraging knowledge sharing and innovative problem-solving within the mechanical engineering team.
• Assist in the development of internal design standards, workflows, and procedures to improve team efficiency and consistency.

Hard skills and experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering is mandatory; a Master's Degree is preferred.
• A minimum of ten (10) years of progressive experience in the design of mechanical building services for large-scale commercial, residential, or industrial projects.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or equivalent professional chartership is required.
• Demonstrated expertise in the design of a wide range of mechanical systems, including central cooling/heating plants, complex hydronic systems, VRF systems, plumbing, and fire suppression systems.
• In-depth knowledge of international and local building codes and standards related to mechanical, plumbing, and fire protection engineering

Advantageous Qualifications:

• LEED Accredited Professional (AP) or similar sustainability certification.
• Experience in the design of specialised systems such as medical gas, smoke control, or cleanroom environments.

Soft skills:

• Leadership & Mentorship: Proven ability to lead a technical team and develop the skills of junior staff.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, capable of presenting complex engineering concepts to diverse stakeholders.
• Problem-Solving: Superior analytical and critical thinking skills to resolve complex design and construction challenges effectively.
• Project Management: Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage priorities, delegate tasks, and deliver projects on schedule and within budget.

Personal Characteristics:

• Detail-Oriented: Meticulous approach to design and review to ensure accuracy and quality.
• Collaborative: A team player who thrives in a multi-disciplinary environment and fosters positive working relationships.
• Proactive: A self-starter who takes ownership of challenges and drives them to a successful resolution.
• Adaptable: Flexible and able to manage changing project requirements and priorities in a fast-paced setting.