Globeleq, a prominent independent power producer in Africa, is at the forefront of delivering reliable and sustainable energy across the continent. With a portfolio that spans various energy technologies and geographies, the company is known for driving impactful projects that improve energy access and economic development. One of its key ongoing ventures is the Menengai Geothermal Power Project in Kenya — a 35 MW greenfield development poised to deliver clean and affordable baseload power to the national grid.
As part of the first phase of the larger Menengai geothermal complex, this project represents Kenya’s second significant geothermal initiative after Olkaria. It is being implemented in close partnership with the Geothermal Development Company (GDC), which will supply steam to the plant under a long-term Project Implementation and Steam Supply Agreement (PISSA). Once the project becomes commercially operational in late 2025, Globeleq will take over its operation and maintenance, managing the facility to ensure long-term performance, sustainability, and reliability.
In preparation for this milestone, Globeleq is seeking a qualified and experienced Mechanical Engineer to join its operations team at the Menengai site. The ideal candidate will play a pivotal role in overseeing the mechanical systems of the plant and ensuring they function at optimal performance while complying with international standards and safety practices.
Globeleq has partnered with Smart4Energy Talent for this recruitment process. If you have any queries regarding the role, please contact the Smart4Energy team via email at [email protected].
Position Title: Mechanical Engineer
Location: Menengai Geothermal Power Plant, Kenya
Department: Business Operations
Employment Type: Permanent
Reporting To: Maintenance Manager
Workplace Type: Onsite
Application Deadline: August 11, 2025
Main Purpose of the Role
The Mechanical Engineer will lead the implementation of preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance activities for all mechanical systems at the Menengai Geothermal Power Plant. This role is central to achieving high plant availability, optimizing equipment performance, reducing parasitic load, and ensuring strict adherence to health, safety, environmental, social, and quality standards.
Operating within Globeleq’s overarching operational and engineering policies, and in compliance with EPC, PISSA, PPA, LTSA, and O&M frameworks, the Mechanical Engineer will supervise a team of Mechanical Technicians. The role requires close collaboration with other technical disciplines and the broader operations and maintenance (O&M) team.
Key Responsibilities
1. Mobilisation Phase (Pre-Commercial Operation Date – COD)
During this stage, the Mechanical Engineer will:
- Review the O&M manuals, engineering documentation, and equipment specifications provided by the EPC contractor.
- Support the development and customization of plant-specific maintenance procedures, schedules, and maintenance records.
- Evaluate and validate EPC-supplied spare parts, tools, and consumables to ensure sufficiency and appropriateness.
- Participate in inspections, training sessions conducted by contractors, and various commissioning activities.
- Provide input into the setup and configuration of the Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS – IFS) and support spare parts planning.
2. Operational Phase (Post-COD)
a. Maintenance Execution
- Plan, lead, and oversee preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance activities.
- Maintain and repair key mechanical systems, including but not limited to:
- Steam turbines and auxiliaries
- Pumps, valves, traps, actuators, cladding, and piping systems
- HVAC, firefighting systems, and backup diesel generators
- Workshop tools (e.g., welders, grinders, lathes)
- Balance of Plant (BOP) systems
- Implement safety systems such as Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO) and permit-to-work procedures.
- Use CMMS (IFS) for scheduling, task execution, and documentation.
- Oversee contractors and external maintenance service providers.
- Maintain inventory levels for tools, consumables, and spare parts, including initiating reorder requests.
b. Preventive Maintenance
- Conduct mechanical inspections, categorized under A, B, and C classes.
- Supervise tests and perform functional checks on all mechanical components.
- Read, interpret, and update mechanical drawings, including pneumatic, hydraulic, and P&ID diagrams.
- Adapt OEM-provided maintenance procedures to site-specific needs and update the CMMS accordingly.
- Prepare and validate maintenance work instructions and job cards.
- Supervise or personally perform mechanical tasks during scheduled maintenance routines.
- Validate and close out work orders and generate accurate reports in CMMS.
- Contribute to long-term preventive maintenance planning and implementation of continuous improvement measures.
- Participate in both minor and major plant overhauls.
- Conduct equipment condition monitoring, analyze performance trends, and assist in root cause analysis for failures.
- Lead and execute repairs involving turbines, valves, pumps, and piping systems.
- Utilize workshop equipment such as welders, cutters, lathes, pneumatic tools, and general hand tools.
c. Corrective Maintenance
- Collaborate with the Maintenance Manager and Operations team during daily planning meetings to prioritize maintenance tasks.
- Review intervention notices, confirm scope and technical requirements, and prepare resources.
- Initiate LOTO processes and collect parts/tools from stores under proper authorization.
- Execute corrective interventions in compliance with safety protocols and permit-to-work procedures.
- Document all activities, including repairs and outcomes, within the CMMS.
- Respond swiftly to emergencies or incidental failures, identify root causes, and implement quick-fix and long-term solutions.
- Engage users of equipment to provide operational advice that prevents future failures.
- Analyze technical challenges using diagnostic tools and propose effective repair methodologies.
- Contribute to daily coordination between maintenance and operations, offering technical inputs and feedback.
- Ensure thorough documentation of all maintenance actions for performance monitoring.
d. Leadership and Administrative Responsibilities
- Supervise and evaluate the performance of Mechanical Technicians through structured appraisals.
- Provide mentorship to interns and temporary staff.
- Identify skill gaps within the team and conduct training to enhance technical competency.
- Provide regular progress reports to the Maintenance Manager, escalating complex issues promptly.
- Actively suggest and support initiatives focused on continuous improvement of plant maintenance practices.
e. Compliance and HSESS (Health, Safety, Environmental, Social, and Security)
- Ensure strict adherence to Globeleq’s HSESS policies and procedures.
- Conduct internal audits and enforce compliance with OEM and company protocols.
- Monitor and evaluate the quality of work done, ensuring safety and reliability.
- Lead acceptance inspections for newly installed or repaired equipment.
- Implement quality assurance and control (QA/QC) measures throughout all maintenance operations.
Required Experience and Attributes
Educational Background:
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
- Professional registration with the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK) is mandatory.
Professional Experience:
- A minimum of 5 years’ experience in power plant operations and maintenance, with a strong preference for geothermal or steam turbine-based systems.
- At least 3 years of experience in a supervisory or team leadership role.
Technical Skills and Competencies:
- Deep understanding of rotating mechanical equipment and maintenance strategies.
- Hands-on expertise in turbines, pumps, valves, piping, and plant mechanical systems.
- Ability to interpret technical drawings including P&IDs, pneumatic, and hydraulic diagrams.
- Proficient in CMMS software, especially IFS, and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Familiarity with SCADA, PLCs, and DCS control systems.
- Demonstrated experience with root cause failure analysis and problem-solving.
- Skilled in machine shop operations including welding, grinding, cutting, and machining.
- Proven ability to lead teams, supervise contractors, and perform technical evaluations.
Behavioural Competencies:
- High personal integrity with a strong commitment to safety.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Strong leadership, mentorship, and team-building abilities.
- Adaptability, proactive mindset, and results-driven work ethic.
- Willingness to work shifts, weekends, and provide emergency response support.
- Commitment to continuous improvement and professional development.
About Globeleq
Globeleq is a long-established leader in the African energy landscape. With extensive international and regional experience, the company is backed by robust financial resources and long-term partnerships with governments, development institutions, and technology providers. Its mission is to drive inclusive growth by powering Africa through reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy solutions. The Menengai Geothermal Project is a reflection of this vision — advancing Kenya’s geothermal potential while creating opportunities for professionals passionate about energy transformation.
Application Information
This is a unique opportunity to join a leading organization at the forefront of clean energy innovation in Kenya. The Mechanical Engineer role at the Menengai Geothermal Power Plant offers a dynamic and challenging work environment, career growth prospects, and a chance to contribute meaningfully to sustainable development.
If you meet the requirements and are ready to be part of this transformative journey, please submit your application by August 11, 2025. For queries, reach out to Smart4Energy via [email protected].
