Job details

Engineering is more than design and delivery at Zutari; it is the craft of shaping possibility.

As a leading buildings, infrastructure engineering, and advisory practice with over 90 years of heritage across Africa and the Middle East, we work across the full infrastructure lifecycle to deliver innovative, digitally enabled solutions. From bridges and dams to energy systems and smart infrastructure, our work connects communities and unlocks long-term value.

We are looking for technical minds who see beyond constraints and are driven to engineer solutions that matter, today and for generations to come.

Role overview

To provide senior technical leadership and site-based supervision of mechanical, electrical, fire protection, controls and related mission-critical systems throughout data-centre construction and pre-commissioning. The Senior MEP Resident Engineer acts as the client’s technical eyes on site, ensuring that the contractor and design team deliver in accordance with approved design, specifications, quality standards, programme requirements and commissioning objectives.

Role responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate MEP site supervision activities, working closely with civil/structural/architectural supervision, ICT/ELV specialists, the commissioning team, QA/QC and HSE personnel.
• Review and comment on shop drawings, technical submittals, method statements, inspection and test plans, requests for information, equipment schedules and as-built documentation.
• Supervise installation of electrical distribution, MV/LV systems, transformers, switchgear, busbars, UPS systems, generators, earthing and bonding, HVAC and cooling systems, fire protection, BMS/EPMS/DCIM interfaces and other specialist systems.
• Provide early-stage input during enabling and civil works, including underground services, sleeves, cable routes, earthing infrastructure, substations and incoming power interfaces.
• Witness or support factory acceptance tests for major equipment and verify that delivered equipment matches approved submittals, test records, tags and purchase requirements.
• Inspect equipment installation and positioning, verify workmanship, monitor torqueing and installation requirements, and ensure manufacturer requirements are met.
• Coordinate testing and pre-commissioning activities, including energisation, motor rotation checks, continuity and insulation checks, controls verification and equipment start-up.
• Maintain and review issue, snagging, non-conformance and corrective-action registers, ensuring that defects are resolved and formally closed.
• Support the independent commissioning agent during functional performance testing, integrated systems testing and failure-mode scenarios, while maintaining appropriate independence and checks and balances.
• Monitor contractor performance, progress, interfaces, risks and programme constraints, escalating technical or delivery issues to the project leadership team.
• Prepare clear technical reports, inspection records, progress updates and handover documentation.

Minimum requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical or Electromechanical Engineering; professional registration or equivalent recognition is advantageous.
• Typically 10 or more years’ experience in MEP or electromechanical construction supervision, including substantial experience on data centres or other mission-critical facilities.
• Demonstrated experience with critical electrical and mechanical systems, including UPS, generators, switchgear, transformers, MV/LV distribution, cooling systems, fire systems and controls.
• Practical understanding of testing, pre-commissioning, commissioning, integrated systems verification and operational readiness.
• Experience reviewing technical documentation, managing quality records and coordinating contractors, vendors and specialist subcontractors.
• Strong reporting, communication, interface-management and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally and work on active construction sites.

Commissioning interface
The Senior MEP Resident Engineer is most heavily involved from early construction through commissioning Level 3, including installation verification, energisation, start-up and pre-commissioning. Where required by the client, the role may support Levels 4 and 5 alongside an independent commissioning agent but should not replace the independent party responsible for objective verification.

We believe that a diverse workforce is key to our business success. We seek the best people for our jobs based on their skills, qualifications, and experience. We embrace the principle of equal opportunity in employment, and we work towards eliminating all forms of unlawful discrimination in our employment practices. In support of diversity and the equal opportunity principle, preference will be given to individuals from designated groups.