Pipelines Operations Engineer – Mechanical - Civil Project Role

Rand Water

Available Locations: Johannesburg, Gauteng

Job Description

Job Summary


Rand Water is seeking an experienced Pipelines Operations Engineer with a Mechanical or Civil engineering background to lead the safe, reliable, and efficient operation, maintenance, and upgrade of large‑diameter bulk water pipelines and associated infrastructure (valves, pumps, reservoirs, metering, and control systems). The role blends day‑to‑day operations support with project delivery (rehabilitation, augmentation, condition assessment, and new-build tie‑ins), ensuring asset integrity, regulatory compliance, and optimal lifecycle performance.



Key Responsibilities


Operations & Reliability



  • Own the operational performance of assigned pipeline corridors, ensuring flow, pressure, and water quality KPIs are continuously met.

  • Analyse hydraulic performance data (transients, pressure zones, NPSH margins, surge protection) and implement optimisation actions.

  • Lead root-cause analyses for incidents (bursts, leaks, pressure surges, equipment failures) and drive corrective & preventive actions.


Asset Management & Maintenance



  • Plan, scope, and prioritise preventive and predictive maintenance based on risk, condition, and criticality (aligned to ISO 55000 principles).

  • Oversee pipeline condition assessments (CCTV, smart pigging, acoustic leak detection, cathodic protection surveys, NDT).

  • Develop and maintain asset registers, maintenance strategies, and spares plans.


Projects & Engineering



  • Manage end-to-end delivery of pipeline rehabilitation, rerouting, and expansion projects: feasibility, design coordination, tendering, execution, commissioning, and close-out.

  • Prepare and review technical specifications, drawings, method statements, and quality plans.

  • Coordinate outages, tie-ins, pressure testing, and commissioning activities with internal operations teams and external contractors.


Compliance, Safety & Risk



  • Ensure adherence to engineering standards, water utility regulations, environmental permits, and health & safety legislation.

  • Lead HAZOP / HAZID, risk assessments, and method statement approvals for high-risk field activities (hot taps, confined spaces, isolations).

  • Champion process safety, emergency preparedness, and incident response planning.


Stakeholder & Team Collaboration



  • Work closely with Control Room/SCADA teams, plant operators, planners, procurement, and finance to align operational and project priorities.

  • Manage consultants and contractors, ensuring on-time, on-budget, quality delivery.

  • Provide technical mentorship to junior engineers and technicians; contribute to competency development and SOPs.


Data & Digital



  • Utilise SCADA, CMMS, hydraulic modelling, GIS, and digital twin data to drive decision-making.

  • Produce high-quality technical reports, dashboards, and presentations for leadership and external stakeholders.



Required Skills and Qualifications



  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Civil Engineering (BEng/BSc or equivalent).

  • Professional registration (e.g., Pr.Eng/Pr.Tech.Eng with ECSA or eligible within a defined timeframe) is strongly preferred.

  • Solid understanding of pipeline hydraulics, surge/transient analysis, materials & corrosion protection (including cathodic protection), valve and pump systems, and pipeline rehabilitation methods.

  • Demonstrated competency in asset management frameworks (ISO 55000/ PAS 55), RAM/RCM, and risk-based maintenance.

  • Proficiency with hydraulic modelling tools (e.g., InfoWater, WaterGEMS), CMMS/EAMS (e.g., SAP, Maximo), and SCADA interpretation.

  • Strong contract management knowledge (FIDIC/NEC or similar), tender evaluation, and contractor oversight.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical issues into clear recommendations.



Experience



  • 5–10+ years of post-graduate experience in bulk water, oil & gas, or similar large-diameter pipeline operations/projects.

  • Proven track record executing pipeline integrity assessments, rehabilitation/augmentation projects, and shutdown/commissioning activities.

  • Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing external service providers.

  • Demonstrated success in incident investigation, reliability improvement, and lifecycle costing.



Working Hours



  • Standard 40-hour work week (Monday–Friday), with flexibility required for planned shutdowns, emergency call-outs, and commissioning work outside normal hours.

  • Participation in an on-call/standby roster may be required for critical pipeline incidents.



Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities



  • Deep knowledge of pipeline materials (steel, ductile iron, HDPE), lining/coating systems, welding standards, and trenchless technologies.

  • Understanding of water quality impacts of pipeline operations (stagnation, biofilm, turbidity spikes) and mitigation measures (flushing, swabbing, chlorination).

  • Strong project management capability (schedule, cost, scope, risk, change control).

  • Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills; data-driven decision-making mindset.

  • High attention to detail, safety-first orientation, and resilience under pressure.

  • Ability to influence stakeholders, negotiate trade-offs, and drive alignment across functions.



Benefits



  • Competitive salary package with performance-based incentives.

  • Retirement / pension and comprehensive medical aid coverage.

  • Professional registration & CPD sponsorship, technical training, and leadership development pathways.

  • Paid leave, wellness programs, and employee assistance services.

  • Opportunity to work with critical national infrastructure and cutting-edge pipeline monitoring technologies.



Why Join Rand Water



  • Contribute to mission-critical water security for millions of people.

  • Work on high-impact, complex pipeline systems and large-scale capital projects.

  • Be part of a values-driven, safety-focused organisation committed to sustainability and operational excellence.

  • Grow your career within a technically strong, collaborative engineering environment.



How to Apply



  1. Prepare your CV, cover letter, and proof of professional registration/eligibility.

  2. Include project summaries highlighting your pipeline operations/project achievements.

  3. Submit your application via the Rand Water Careers Portal (select “Pipelines Operations Engineer – Mechanical/Civil Project Role”) or email your documents to the recruitment team with the job title in the subject line.

  4. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Pre-employment checks (qualifications, references, medicals) may apply.

Apply Now

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