Mechanical Design/ BIM Technician

THE COMPANY:

WSP is one of Africa’s most diverse consulting firms and a proud member of the global WSP Group. As part of our strategic business expansion, we are looking for dedicated, skilled, and motivated individuals who take pride in working with us. We are committed to fostering and maintaining diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.

KEY ROLE: 

The following guidelines outline the responsibilities of the Mechanical Design/ BIM Technician position. While they include the items listed below, the role is not limited to these tasks. These serve as indicators of eligibility and capability for the position, with final suitability determined by management and contingent on the availability of an engineering position.

We are strengthening our Mechanical offering by appointing a Mechanical Design/ BIM Technician (Building Services). The ideal candidate will hold a B.Tech. Eng. (Mechanical), National Diploma (Mechanical Engineering) (NQF 6+), or equivalent qualification and have 4+ years of experience in the Building Services Consulting sector.

The successful candidate will combine BIM authoring, technical draughting, multidisciplinary coordination and defined mechanical design responsibilities while taking ownership of assigned design and modelling packages. Engineering calculations and design decisions will be undertaken within the candidate’s demonstrated competence and under the appropriate technical review and approval of a responsible engineer or technologist.

The successful candidate will be expected to constructively challenge conventional modelling and delivery methods, identify opportunities to improve established workflows, and introduce practical innovations that enhance model quality, coordination, efficiency and project outcomes. The candidate should demonstrate curiosity, initiative and a willingness to test and implement improved ways of working within approved project, information-security and digital-governance requirements.

The candidate will contribute to the delivery of multidisciplinary projects across all project stages, taking responsibility for defined work packages while developing consulting, coordination and client-engagement skills under the guidance of senior team members.

This role will involve the design, coordination and BIM modelling of multiple building services disciplines. Candidates must demonstrate competency in at least two of the following mechanical disciplines:

• HVAC
• Public Health / Wet Services
• Medical Gas Systems
• Mechanical Utilities
• Fuel Systems
• Vertical Transportation
• Fire Engineering Services
• Experience across three or more disciplines will be advantageous. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Technical Expertise:

• Interpret engineering criteria, calculations, schematics and technical information provided by the responsible engineer or technologist.
• Demonstrates proficiency in conveying / translating design information into accurate, coordinated and constructible BIM models, drawings and schedules.
• Able to navigate the additions and modification of the various forms of parameters within Revit.
• Undertake simple mechanical design tasks, calculations, equipment selections and system layouts within demonstrated competence and under appropriate engineering guidance and review.
• Apply relevant global, national or project standards and technical requirements when developing models, sheets and schedules or any other required documentation.
• Demonstrate competency in the design, BIM modelling and coordination of at least two of the following:
  • HVAC
  • Public Health / Wet Services
  • Medical Gas Systems
  • Mechanical Utilities
  • Fuel Systems
  • Vertical Transportation
  • Fire Engineering Services
• Identify and communicate design inconsistencies, missing information, spatial constraints and coordination risks to the responsible engineer or technologist.
• Perform detailed BIM authoring, technical drafting, model federation and multidisciplinary coordination using Revit, AutoCAD, Navisworks Manage, Autodesk Construction Cloud and other approved digital delivery platforms.
• Work independently on defined work packages within agreed scope, programme, budget and quality requirements.
• Assist with the development and implementation of BIM Execution Plans, project BIM standards and model-delivery requirements.
• Obtain relevant supplier technical information and incorporate approved equipment into BIM models.
• Perform clash-detection reviews, record coordination issues and assist with their resolution.
• Maintain high standards of model quality, digital information management and data integrity in accordance with project requirements and WSP digital-governance procedures.

• BIM, Digital Delivery and Innovation

  • Constructively challenge existing modelling and documentation methods and propose practical improvements.
  • Identify repetitive, inefficient or error-prone activities that can be improved through standardisation, automation or better use of digital tools.
  • Develop, test and maintain Revit templates, parametric mechanical families, shared parameters, view templates, schedules, filters and project-browser structures.
  • Explore and implement appropriate workflow automation using Dynamo, pyRevit, Revit API-based applications, scripting or other approved digital tools.
  • Develop reliable, documented and repeatable solutions that can be adopted across multiple projects.
  • Develop and test reliable, documented and repeatable digital solutions that can be adopted across multiple projects, clearly recording their purpose, workflow, limitations and expected benefits.
  • Share lessons learned, reusable tools and improved workflows with the wider Mechanical and BIM teams.
  • Balance innovation with usability, information security and approved project requirements.

Client Care & Marketing:

• Develop professional working relationships with clients, contractors and project stakeholders.
• Understand client and project requirements and reflect them accurately in BIM and technical deliverables.
• Represent WSP professionally during coordination meetings, design reviews and site activities.

Time & Team Management:

• Demonstrate effective communication, teamwork and personal task management.
• Take ownership of assigned modelling and design work packages.
• Manage personal time, quality and effort to deliver work within agreed programme and cost constraints.
• Work independently on clearly defined deliverables, with guidance and technical review from the responsible engineer or project lead.
• Share Revit knowledge, reusable content and improved workflows with other team members.
• Support and guide less-experienced team members where appropriate.
• Raise programme, information, coordination or quality risks promptly.

Project & Financial Management:

• Assist engineers with the delivery of design packages, scope management and project-coordination activities.
• Assist with compiling tender documentation, BOQs, quantity take-offs, equipment schedules and other project deliverables.
• Monitor progress against allocated hours and notify the responsible engineer of potential programme or budget overruns.
• Assist senior engineers during construction administration and contractor-engagement activities.
• Participate in multidisciplinary coordination meetings and design reviews.
• Maintain appropriate records of design development, model changes, decisions and coordination issues.

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving:

• Apply logic and reasoning to identify strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions.
• Make sound judgments and decisions using both deductive and inductive reasoning.
• Investigate the root causes of recurring modelling, coordination and documentation problems rather than repeatedly applying temporary fixes.
• Constructively question inefficient or outdated working methods and recommend improved approaches supported by clear technical reasoning.
  • Evaluate proposed digital solutions with consideration for reliability, usability, scalability, model performance, data integrity and implementation risk.
  • Recognise when an innovative solution adds value and when a simple, established approach is more appropriate.
  • Remain receptive to technical review and refine proposed solutions collaboratively.

Communication Skills:

• Communicate technical, BIM and coordination matters clearly, both verbally and in writing.
• Produce clear technical notes, reports, schedules, mark-ups and coordination records.
• Explain digital concepts and proposed workflow improvements to engineers, technicians and BIM professionals.
• Participate constructively in multidisciplinary coordination meetings and design reviews.
• Escalate unresolved technical, information or coordination matters to the responsible engineer or project lead.

Quality Assurance & Site Supervision:

• Apply quality-control and QA/QC procedures throughout all applicable project stages.
• Conduct BIM model audits and document quality reviews.
• Ensure models and technical deliverables comply with agreed project BIM standards, the BIM Execution Plan and WSP procedures.
• Review shop drawings, contractor submissions and RFIs under the guidance of senior engineers.
• Assist in resolving site-related technical and coordination issues.
• Incorporate approved design changes and verified site information into the BIM model and associated documentation.
• Participate in interdisciplinary model reviews and track assigned coordination issues through to closure.

HEALTH AND SAFETY:

• Role model standards for SHEQ performance and behaviour consistent with the company’s health, safety, environmental and quality vision and policies by influencing those around you

• Contributing to the identification of SHEQ risks and driving processes to achieve Zero Harm

• Embracing, displaying and promoting the company values and ensuring a safe working environment is maintained at all times, whether in the office environment, on construction sites or in the general environment.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• B.Tech. Eng. (Mechanical Engineering), National Diploma (Mechanical Engineering) (NQF 6), or equivalent qualification.

• Relevant BIM, Revit or Autodesk certification will be advantageous but will not replace evidence of practical competency.

• Candidates with a strong portfolio of coordinated mechanical Revit work and demonstrated building-services knowledge may also be considered.

• Must have a minimum of 4+ years' experience in mechanical building services design and BIM modelling.

• Experience related to Mechanical engineering , designs and construction monitoring on either or multiple of the following sectors will be advantageous:

  • Data Centres
  • Healthcare Facilities
  • Clean Rooms
  • Advanced Manufacturing

• Must have a good understanding and working knowledge of Revit and BIM360

• Experience in at least two mechanical building services disciplines, including but not limited to:

  • HVAC
  • Public Health / Wet Services
  • Medical Gas Systems
  • Mechanical Utilities
  • Fuel Systems
  • Vertical Transportation
  • Fire Engineering Services.
  • Individual currently in employ of a consulting entity will be preferred

KEY COMPETENCIES AND GENERIC SKILLS:

• Code B drivers licence (preferably own car)
• Strong digital literacy, with an interest in BIM automation, data management and design technology. Experience with Dynamo, pyRevit, scripting, visual programming, Power BI, Revit API applications or similar tools will be advantageous.
• Experience in various Autodesk products (AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks, BIM360 suite)
• Must be self-motivated 
• Task orientated
• Team player
• Excellent communicator and good discussion and problem resolution skills 
• A self-starter who can run with and manage his own projects with the guidance of a senior engineer
• Strong understanding of mechanical building services design principles.
• Strong BIM modelling and multidisciplinary coordination capability.
• Excellent Revit MEP skills.
• Competent in AutoCAD, Navisworks and BIM 360.
• Ability to interpret engineering calculations and convert concepts into coordinated BIM deliverables.
• Understanding of construction documentation and project delivery processes.
• Strong attention to detail and quality control.