Lead, Design Engineer at TECO Group Nigeria

TECO is a longstanding Nigerian Engineering firm, founded in 1980. We excel in delivering tailored engineering solutions to a wide range of industries throughout Nigeria and the rest of Africa. Our primary goal is to contribute to the technical and engineering advancement of Nigeria’s industries. With a team of highly qualified and certified mechanical and electrical engineers, we provide comprehensive technical services comprising:

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Lead, Design Engineer

Location: Ondo
Job type: Full-time

Job Summary

• We are seeking a highly skilled and innovative Lead, Design Engineer to lead the design, development, and improvement of engineering systems and equipment within our palm oil mill operations.
• The ideal candidate will drive plant efficiency through robust equipment design, modification, process optimization, and engineering project delivery while ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities
Design & Engineering Leadership:

• Lead the design, redesign, and improvement of palm oil mill equipment and processing systems including sterilizers, threshers, digesters, screw presses, clarifiers, kernel recovery systems, boilers, and effluent treatment systems.
• Develop detailed engineering drawings, layouts, and technical specifications for fabrication and installation.
• Supervise design engineers/technicians and coordinate design deliverables across projects.
• Provide technical guidance for equipment selection, fabrication, and commissioning.
• Plant Optimization & Process Improvement
• Identify opportunities to improve throughput, oil extraction efficiency, energy usage, and plant reliability.
• Develop and implement design solutions to reduce downtime and enhance overall plant performance.
• Work with production teams to solve equipment performance issues using engineering and root cause analysis.

Project Execution:

• Lead engineering design projects from concept through implementation.
• Prepare BOQs (Bill of Quantities), project plans, and technical documentation.
• Coordinate contractors, fabricators, and vendors to ensure quality delivery.
• Ensure timely execution of design and engineering projects within approved budget.
• Compliance, Safety & Quality
• Ensure all engineering designs meet applicable safety standards and operational requirements.
• Support compliance with internal HSE standards and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in risk assessments and ensure engineering controls are embedded in design.

Documentation & Reporting:

• Maintain engineering records, drawings, manuals, and as-built documentation.
• Prepare technical reports and management updates on design projects and improvements.

Requirements / Qualifications

• Candidates should possess a B.Eng / B.Tech / HND in Agricultural Engineering or Mechanical Engineering

Experience:

• Minimum of 5–8 years relevant experience in engineering design within:
  • Palm oil mills, or agro-processing plants.
  • Strong experience in equipment design, plant modification, and engineering project management.
  • Experience in fabrication and installation supervision is an added advantage.

Technical Skills:

• Strong knowledge of palm oil mill processing equipment and plant operations.

Proficiency in engineering design tools such as:

• AutoCAD / SolidWorks / other CAD tools.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, P&IDs, and layout plans.
• Knowledge of materials selection, fabrication standards, and mechanical design principles.
• Strong troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and process optimization skills.

Soft Skills:

• Strong leadership and supervision capability.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. 

Key Competencies:

• Equipment Design & Modification
• Process Optimization
• Plant Engineering & Maintenance Support
• Engineering Project Management
• Safety in Design
• Technical Documentation & Reporting

Salary Range
N500,000 - N750,000 / Month.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.