Remote plumbing design engineer – luxury hospitality
Company
Utopia Design
Location
Johannesburg
Job Type
Internship
Posted
7 days ago
Via
via BeBee
Apply On
Job Description
About The Company About The Company Utopia is a forward-thinking global real estate development group dedicated to creating a distinctive portfolio of luxurious and high-end hospitality assets.At Utopia, we’re building more than properties — we’re crafting extraordinary experiences. Founded in 2023, our in-house architectural firm, Utopia Design , is at the heart of our mission to create a global portfolio of luxurious, high-end hospitality destinations. As part of a growing real estate development group, Utopia Design brings bold vision and innovative thinking to every project we take on.We’re a young, ambitious team driven by creativity, excellence, and the belief that great design transforms the way people live, travel, and connect.
From concept to completion, we’re reimagining what luxury means in today’s world — and we’re just getting started.If you're passionate about design, architecture, and shaping the future of global hospitality, we invite you to grow with us.About The Role We are looking for a dynamic and experienced Plumbing Design Engineer to support the ongoing design development of several luxury projects worldwide, with a focus on boutique hospitality assets. This role requires a creative and technical professional who can deliver efficient and innovative engineering solutions while maintaining the aesthetic and functional standards expected in luxury developments.In this role, you will be responsible for designing and developing engineering systems for luxury villas and boutique hotels. You should be able to work independently, coordinate with the team as needed, and deliver intermediate results on a weekly basis.
You will report to the MEP Design Manager while collaborating with the entire design team, including architects, interior designers, structural engineers, the FF&E procurement team, and client representatives.To succeed in this role, you must demonstrate technical rigor, precise problem-solving, and the ability to maintain strict quality benchmarks. We're looking for a detail-oriented, self-organized professional who can turn complex engineering requirements into actionable insights for luxury hospitality systems.What You Will Do
Design and oversee MEP systems for luxury villas and hotels, ensuring full compliance with building codes and high-end industry standards.
Collaborate with architects and interior designers to seamlessly integrate electrical, HVAC, and plumbing systems into the overall project aesthetic.
Proactively participate in spatial coordination with architectural and structural models, research efficient methodologies, equipment, and systems to secure the initial design intent and high-end user experience
Timely resolution of technical issues and challenges during the design phase
Lead the development of detailed technical drawings and specifications using CAD and Revit, supported by BIM modelers.
Perform load calculations and system sizing to optimize performance.
Oversee equipment selection, ensuring it aligns with project requirements and sustainability goals.
Provide input during value engineering discussions to achieve the best balance between cost, quality, and performance
Supervise the design development, review, and approve deliverables of third party designers, consultants, and surveyors.
Stay updated on the latest technologies, trends, and regulations related to drainage, supply, and distribution systems in the luxury and hospitality sectors. Requirements
Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil or Building Engineering with a concentration in plumbing, drainage, pools and storm drainage systems.
8 to 15 years of experience in design consultancy or general contractor
Experience working on low-rise residential and hospitality projects - private homes and villas, hotels and resorts
Excellent communication and presentation skills
Proficiency in Revit and Auto CAD
Professional level of English, both written and verbal
Good to have
Spanish Nice to have
Experience with international hotel chains (e.g., W, Four Seasons, AMAN) and their specific corporate design guidelines.
Spanish proficiency What We Can Offer
Full-time, remote role
Competitive compensation
Collaboration within a professional, international, multidisciplinary team The opportunity to work on a world-class luxury development project. Utopia does not provide visa sponsorship for this position.
From concept to completion, we’re reimagining what luxury means in today’s world — and we’re just getting started.If you're passionate about design, architecture, and shaping the future of global hospitality, we invite you to grow with us.About The Role We are looking for a dynamic and experienced Plumbing Design Engineer to support the ongoing design development of several luxury projects worldwide, with a focus on boutique hospitality assets. This role requires a creative and technical professional who can deliver efficient and innovative engineering solutions while maintaining the aesthetic and functional standards expected in luxury developments.In this role, you will be responsible for designing and developing engineering systems for luxury villas and boutique hotels. You should be able to work independently, coordinate with the team as needed, and deliver intermediate results on a weekly basis.
You will report to the MEP Design Manager while collaborating with the entire design team, including architects, interior designers, structural engineers, the FF&E procurement team, and client representatives.To succeed in this role, you must demonstrate technical rigor, precise problem-solving, and the ability to maintain strict quality benchmarks. We're looking for a detail-oriented, self-organized professional who can turn complex engineering requirements into actionable insights for luxury hospitality systems.What You Will Do
Design and oversee MEP systems for luxury villas and hotels, ensuring full compliance with building codes and high-end industry standards.
Collaborate with architects and interior designers to seamlessly integrate electrical, HVAC, and plumbing systems into the overall project aesthetic.
Proactively participate in spatial coordination with architectural and structural models, research efficient methodologies, equipment, and systems to secure the initial design intent and high-end user experience
Timely resolution of technical issues and challenges during the design phase
Lead the development of detailed technical drawings and specifications using CAD and Revit, supported by BIM modelers.
Perform load calculations and system sizing to optimize performance.
Oversee equipment selection, ensuring it aligns with project requirements and sustainability goals.
Provide input during value engineering discussions to achieve the best balance between cost, quality, and performance
Supervise the design development, review, and approve deliverables of third party designers, consultants, and surveyors.
Stay updated on the latest technologies, trends, and regulations related to drainage, supply, and distribution systems in the luxury and hospitality sectors. Requirements
Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil or Building Engineering with a concentration in plumbing, drainage, pools and storm drainage systems.
8 to 15 years of experience in design consultancy or general contractor
Experience working on low-rise residential and hospitality projects - private homes and villas, hotels and resorts
Excellent communication and presentation skills
Proficiency in Revit and Auto CAD
Professional level of English, both written and verbal
Good to have
Spanish Nice to have
Experience with international hotel chains (e.g., W, Four Seasons, AMAN) and their specific corporate design guidelines.
Spanish proficiency What We Can Offer
Full-time, remote role
Competitive compensation
Collaboration within a professional, international, multidisciplinary team The opportunity to work on a world-class luxury development project. Utopia does not provide visa sponsorship for this position.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about Welder Jobs
What is the 2026 national minimum wage for welders in South Africa?
The Department of Employment and Labour sets the national minimum wage at R28.79 per hour from 1 March 2026 for all sectors including welding. Welders working more than 45 hours per week must receive 1.5 times this rate for overtime. Employers must display the wage schedule at every workplace.
Which trade certificate is required to legally work as a welder in South Africa in 2026?
Welders must hold a QCTO-registered occupational certificate in welding at NQF Level 4 obtained after completing a minimum 3-year apprenticeship and passing the trade test at an accredited centre. The certificate number must be verifiable on the QCTO database before any employer can hire the welder.
How many hours per week and days of annual leave apply to welder contracts in 2026?
Welders are limited to 45 ordinary hours per week and 8 hours per day under the Basic Conditions of Employment Act. They are entitled to 21 consecutive days of paid annual leave after every 12 months of employment, calculated from the date of engagement.
What documents must South African welders submit when applying for formal employment in 2026?
Applicants must provide a valid South African ID, QCTO trade certificate, valid bank account details, and proof of UIF registration number. Employers are required to verify the trade certificate directly with the QCTO before issuing an employment contract.
