Project engineer, mechanical

ACCIONA is a global company, leading in the development of regenerative infrastructure that creates a positive impact on society. Our workforce consists of more than 65,000 professionals, present in more than 40 countries across the five continents, all contributing in our mission to design a better planet. Are you a passionate individual who wants to make a difference, promote sustainable development, and find solutions to the biggest global challenges including climate change, overpopulation, and water scarcity? Come and join us in building the infrastructure our planet needs to achieve a sustainable future.

Job Description

Be part of commissioning one of Western Australia’s most significant water infrastructure projects. This is a chance to build your technical and commissioning capability on a large-scale desalination plant, with exposure to start-up and handover at a scale few projects in Australia can offer.

The Project

ACCIONA is leading the Alkimos Seawater Desalination Plant in Perth, a $2.8 billion project delivered in alliance with Water Corporation and Jacobs. Stage 1 will produce 150 million litres of drinking water a day for Western Australians. The plant integrates seawater desalination with on-site groundwater treatment, a first for a plant of this scale in WA. Construction is underway, with commissioning targeted for 2028.

The Role

Reporting to the Manager, Commissioning, the Mechanical Project Engineer plays a critical role in the successful start-up, testing and handover of the plant’s mechanical systems. You’ll verify installation quality, conduct performance tests, troubleshoot mechanical equipment and support the transition from construction to operational readiness, working closely with construction, operations, vendor and contractor teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement commissioning plans, procedures and schedules for mechanical systems, including pumps, piping, valves, pressure vessels and rotating equipment
• Coordinate with construction, operations and vendor teams to ensure readiness for commissioning activities
• Conduct pre-commissioning checks, mechanical completion verification and punch list clearance
• Perform functional and performance tests on mechanical equipment to confirm compliance with design specifications
• Monitor system parameters (flow rates, pressures, vibration, alignment) during start-up and adjust as required
• Document test results and prepare commissioning reports
• Identify and resolve mechanical issues during commissioning, working closely with vendors and contractors
• Provide technical support for equipment modifications, repairs and optimisation
• Ensure commissioning activities are carried out in accordance with safety standards, environmental regulations and quality requirements
• Participate in risk assessments and implement safe work practices during start-up operations
• Liaise with project managers, operations staff and equipment suppliers to align commissioning activities with project milestones
• Support training and handover to operations teams for a smooth transition to steady-state plant operation

Required Skills and Competencies

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or similar
• Experience commissioning mechanical systems on water, desalination or process plants highly regarded
• Working knowledge of pumps, piping, valves, pressure vessels and rotating equipment
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs and equipment specifications
• Experience in mechanical completion, performance testing and punch list management
• Strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to work effectively with vendors, contractors and operations teams
• A genuine safety-first attitude

ACCIONA has been given the Top Employer 2022, 2023, 2024 & 2025 certification in Australia, which certifies the company’s commitment to excellence in human resources management and those who focus on putting their people first through their exceptional HR policies. Since establishing a presence in Australia in 2002, ACCIONA has made significant investments in local opportunities and project development. ACCIONA employs more than 3,000 people in its renewable energy, infrastructure and water projects across Australia & New Zealand.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and promote equality and diversity. Indigenous Australians and candidates from minority groups are encouraged to apply.