Mechanical / Plumbing Design Engineer
Somewhere
🇿🇦 Hirezar Summary for South African Applicants
This fully remote full time position at Somewhere is open to applicants from South Africa. The estimated monthly salary is R27,750 – R46,250 ZAR. This role is suited for mid-level professionals. As a remote position, you can work from anywhere in South Africa — whether you're based in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, or a smaller town.
Job Description
______________________________________________________________________
Role: Mechanical / Plumbing Design Engineer
Priority Location: Latin America or South AfricaWorking Hours: Monday – Friday, 40 hours per week (Aligned with U.S. Business Hours).Salary Range: $1,500 – $2,500 USD per month (The final offer is at the client’s discretion and depends on the candidate’s interview result, skills, and experience.)Type of contract: Independent ContractorType of job: Remote
About the Role
As the Mechanical / Plumbing Design Engineer, you will be the primary execution engine for our engineering department, translating high-level concepts and redlines into precision-engineered Revit models. This role is designed for a technical "doer" who thrives on production-heavy design and wants to see their work directly impact the growth of a scaling firm.
Key Responsibilities
* Execute Complex Modeling:Develop and manage detailed Revit models for plumbing, HVAC, and industrial piping systems from initial concept through to final construction documentation.
* Design Integrated Systems:Design domestic water, drainage, gas, steam, and glycol systems for commercial and industrial projects, ensuring 100% accuracy in layout and flow.
* Draft Technical Documentation:Utilize AutoCAD as a secondary tool to convert designs, interpret legacy redlines, and ensure all 2D drawings are up to date.
* Ensure Code Compliance:Verify that all designs align strictly with NFPA, ASHRAE, and IPC standards to ensure seamless permitting and high constructability.
* Manage Project Lifecycle:Independently drive the progress of 1–4 projects per month, transitioning from initial direction to a final, review-ready package with minimal oversight.
* Collaborate for Quality:Work closely with the firm’s founder to refine designs, clarify technical scopes, and incorporate feedback to minimize revision cycles.
Qualifications
* Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field (Required).
* Minimum 2+ years of experience in plumbing, HVAC, or industrial systems design (Required).
* Strong Proficiency in Revit: Must be able to set up projects, manage BIM workflows, and produce coordinated 3D models (Required).
* Working knowledge of AutoCAD for secondary drafting and legacy file management (Required).
* Familiarity with U.S. Building Codes (IPC, ASHRAE, NFPA) and permitting processes (Preferred).
* Specialized Project Experience: Background in Food & Beverage or process piping projects (Preferred).
* Independent Mindset: Proven ability to work remotely, manage time effectively, and interpret technical markups with high attention to detail.
Tips for South African Applicants
Timezone Advantage
South Africa (SAST, UTC+2) overlaps well with European business hours and has a few hours of overlap with US East Coast. Mention your timezone flexibility in your application.
Salary in Context
At R27,750/month, this role is on par with the average South African remote salary. The USD equivalent ($1,500/mo) benefits from the favourable exchange rate.
Application Tips
Tailor your CV to international standards — use a clean format, highlight remote work experience, and include your English proficiency. Many SA applicants succeed by emphasising their strong work ethic and cultural adaptability.
Load Shedding Preparedness
If you're applying for a remote role, having a backup power solution (UPS, inverter, or generator) and mobile data as a backup internet connection shows employers you're prepared for South Africa's infrastructure challenges.
About Somewhere
Somewhere is a company in the Recruitment & Staffing industry that hires remote workers from South Africa. They currently have 613 open positions on Hirezar. View all Somewhere jobs →