Mechanical Engineer

About ACWA Operations

At ACWA Operations, we are committed to delivering reliable and efficient essential services that millions of people depend on daily. As the operations and maintenance arm of ACWA—the first national company specializing in operations & maintenance—we specialize in ensuring the safe, dependable, and cost-effective operation of power generation and water desalination assets throughout their entire lifecycle. Since our establishment in 2005, we have partnered with clients across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia to support complex infrastructure that powers communities and sustains economies. As part of the ACWA Group, we leverage deep technical expertise, robust operational systems, and a culture rooted in performance and accountability. Our responsibilities span commissioning, asset management, preventive and corrective maintenance, technical support, and continuous performance improvement. We recognize that reliability and cost efficiency are not merely technical objectives—they are critical to ensuring that people have access to electricity at night, water in their homes, and industries can operate without disruption. By maximizing asset availability, enhancing resilience, and maintaining the highest safety and quality standards, ACWA Operations plays a pivotal role in ACWA’s mission to provide sustainable, affordable energy and water solutions that improve lives and strengthen communities worldwide.

Reporting Structure

This position reports directly to the Section Head – Mechanical/Maintenance Manager, ensuring alignment with operational goals and strategic objectives.

Core Responsibilities

The Mechanical Engineer will play a key role in planning and supervising all preventive and corrective maintenance activities, as well as monthly and annual outage and overhauling tasks for plant mechanical equipment. The successful candidate will be responsible for the following key duties:

• Work Planning and Supervision: Assign preventive and corrective maintenance tasks in accordance with the Maintenance Manager’s directives. Supervise and coordinate the activities of maintenance personnel to ensure efficient execution of work orders.
• Documentation and Reporting: Maintain accurate records, prepare detailed reports, and draft correspondence related to maintenance activities. Utilize the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS), specifically SAP, to execute work orders and collaborate with the planning engineer to ensure timely job completion and technical resolution.
• Strategic Maintenance Execution: Assist the Maintenance Manager in executing corrective and planned maintenance activities, adhering to the annual scheduled maintenance plan. Conduct technical evaluations of quotations received from the purchasing department and recommend the most suitable options.
• Procurement and Inventory Management: Prepare purchase requisitions for spare parts and consumables, ensuring adherence to budgetary constraints. Arrange for the availability of strategic spares to meet maintenance requirements and minimize downtime.
• Process Improvement: Review and recommend enhancements to maintenance procedures and work instructions to drive operational excellence and efficiency.
• Team Leadership and Development: Supervise, direct, and coordinate the activities of all personnel assigned to the area. Conduct annual performance evaluations for reporting employees, identify competency gaps, and implement necessary training and development initiatives.
• Health, Safety, and Environmental Compliance: Ensure the implementation of Environmental Aspect-Impact and Hazard Risk Assessments, maintaining strict control and updates. Monitor and report on Integrated Management System (IMS) objectives, targets, and programs, while ensuring legal compliance within the scope of activities. Identify root causes for non-conformances or deviations and implement corrective and preventive actions to mitigate risks.
• Training and Knowledge Transfer: Provide on-the-job training to new employees and evaluate their performance during the training period to ensure competency and readiness for operational roles.
• Hazard Identification and Control: Identify, document, and control hazards within the assigned work area. Ensure that operational controls are followed and report any deviations in the Integrated Management System, implementing corrective and preventive measures as required.

Key Competencies and Qualifications

Ideal candidates will possess a strong technical background in mechanical engineering, coupled with experience in power generation or water desalination plant maintenance. Proficiency in CMMS (SAP) and a commitment to safety, quality, and environmental standards are essential. The ability to lead teams, manage budgets, and drive continuous improvement initiatives will be critical to success in this role. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels.