Test Bed Engineer (X3) – Sulzer Zambia

About the Company

Sulzer Zambia provides engineering, maintenance and service solutions for pumps and other rotating equipment used across mining and industrial operations.

The Sulzer Zambia Service Centre in Chingola supports the refurbishment, servicing, assembly and testing of pumps used by major mining and industrial customers. The facility is also positioned to support regional pump performance testing requirements across the Central African market.

About the Role

Sulzer Zambia is seeking three Test Bed Engineers to operate and manage its Pump Performance Test Bed at the Chingola Service Centre.

The successful candidates will be responsible for ensuring that pumps assembled, refurbished or serviced by Sulzer Zambia undergo accurate and rigorous performance testing before being delivered to customers.

The role will support the execution of the KCM contract, contribute to the facility's long-term operational objectives and help establish the Chingola facility as a regional hub for pump performance testing.

Key Responsibilities

Test Preparation & Execution

• Prepare pumps for performance testing, including rigging, alignment and coupling to drive systems.

• Install and verify required test instrumentation, including flow meters, pressure transducers, temperature sensors and vibration probes.

• Conduct pump performance tests in accordance with Sulzer testing procedures, ISO 9906 standards and customer-specific requirements.

• Operate test bed control systems and data acquisition software.

• Ensure test conditions are controlled and test results are accurate, consistent and repeatable.

• Coordinate testing activities with workshop personnel to ensure pumps are ready for testing.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Analyse pump performance test results and identify deviations from OEM specifications or customer acceptance criteria.

• Generate pump performance curves covering parameters such as flow, head, efficiency, power consumption and NPSH.

• Prepare and issue certified test reports and performance certificates.

• Maintain complete and traceable records of test activities, results and certifications.

• Ensure test documentation meets Sulzer Flow "Excellence" standards and customer requirements.

Quality, HSE & Compliance

• Conduct all testing activities in accordance with Sulzer's Health, Safety, Environment and Quality (HSEQ) requirements.

• Maintain compliance with the company's 5'S standards and Disciplinary Code of Conduct.

• Perform routine calibration and verification of test bed instrumentation.

• Maintain measurement accuracy and traceability across testing activities.

• Identify and report non-conformances, equipment defects and safety hazards.

• Participate in root-cause analysis and corrective-action activities.

Workshop Collaboration

• Work closely with the Service Centre workshop team to coordinate pump handovers and testing schedules.

• Communicate performance issues identified during testing so that required rectification can be undertaken.

• Keep the Service Centre Manager informed about testing progress, resource requirements and operational challenges.

• Collaborate with regional Sulzer technical teams when specialist troubleshooting or complex testing support is required.

Facility Maintenance & Continuous Improvement

• Conduct routine maintenance and housekeeping of the test bed, equipment and associated systems.

• Ensure the test facility remains safe, clean and operationally ready.

• Contribute to initiatives designed to improve testing efficiency, accuracy and safety.

• Assist with developing and updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for test bed operations.

• Identify opportunities to improve the overall operational performance of the facility.

Flexible Operations

• Participate in shift rotations when required to support extended operating hours and periods of increased testing demand.

• Provide on-site testing and commissioning support at customer locations when required.

• Adapt to changing operational requirements and testing schedules.

Key Performance Areas

The successful candidates will be expected to:

• Meet testing throughput targets in line with production schedules and contractual commitments.

• Maintain a strong safety performance with zero lost-time injuries and full HSEQ compliance.

• Deliver accurate and timely certified test reports.

• Ensure all test bed instrumentation remains within required calibration periods.

• Minimise unplanned downtime resulting from calibration or equipment-related issues.

• Maintain effective collaboration with the workshop and other technical teams.

• Demonstrate consistent adherence to Sulzer Flow "Excellence" principles.

Minimum Qualifications & Experience

Applicants should possess:

• National Diploma or Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.

• Grade 12 Certificate.

• 3–5 years of hands-on experience in pump testing, rotating equipment commissioning or a related technical field.

• Experience within an industrial, mining or engineering service-centre environment.

• Proven experience with pump performance testing.

• Experience with instrumentation calibration, data acquisition systems and test report preparation.

• Computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and relevant data-analysis tools.

• A valid unendorsed driver's licence.

• Proficiency in written and spoken English.

Read: Top In Demand Skills in Zambia’s Mining Sector

Added Advantages

• Experience with multi-stage HPH/HPL pumps.

• Experience with slurry pumps.

• Certification or training in ISO 9906 pump testing standards.

• Certification in vibration analysis, such as ISO 18436.

• Familiarity with ERP systems such as SAP.

• Experience with maintenance management systems.

Technical Skills

• Pump performance testing.

• Rotating equipment and hydraulic principles.

• Application of ISO 9906 or equivalent pump-testing standards.

• Operation and interpretation of test instrumentation.

• Data acquisition systems and test bed control software.

• Pump performance curve interpretation.

• Reading and interpreting engineering drawings and P&IDs.

• Instrument calibration and measurement verification.

• Technical troubleshooting and performance-deviation analysis.

• Root-cause analysis and corrective-action implementation.

• Technical report preparation and data documentation.

Leadership & Behavioural Skills

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.

• Ability to work towards deadlines and performance targets.

• Ability to work effectively under pressure during peak testing periods.

• Strong commitment to safety, quality and operational discipline.

• Self-motivation and initiative.

• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a team.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Flexibility and adaptability to shift work.

• Professional approach to customer and internal stakeholder interactions.

Work Environment

The position is primarily based at the Sulzer Zambia Service Centre in Chingola, working within an industrial workshop and pump performance testing environment.

The role involves hands-on exposure to rotating equipment, pressurised systems and electrical hazards. These risks are managed through strict HSE procedures and controls.

Shift work and extended working hours may be required depending on operational demand. Occasional travel to customer sites may also be required for on-site testing and commissioning support.

The Test Bed Engineer will interact with workshop technicians, Service Centre management, quality personnel, regional technical teams and, where applicable, customers during witness testing.

Policies & Procedures

The successful candidates will be required to comply with Sulzer's:

• Disciplinary Code of Conduct.

• 5'S standards.

• Health, Safety, Environment and Quality requirements.

• Relevant company policies and procedures.

• Applicable testing, quality and operational standards.

Job Summary

Employer: Sulzer Zambia
Position: Test Bed Engineer
Vacancies: 3
Location: Sulzer Zambia Service Centre, Chingola
Employment Type: Full-time
Reporting To: Service Centre Manager
Grade: 4
Industry: Engineering / Mining / Industrial Services
Minimum Qualification: National Diploma or Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering
Minimum Experience: 3–5 years in pump testing, rotating equipment commissioning or related technical field
Key Expertise: Pump Performance Testing, Rotating Equipment, Hydraulics, Instrumentation, Data Acquisition, ISO 9906
Driver's Licence: Valid unendorsed driver's licence
Application Email: Sarah.Nayame@sulzer.com
Application Deadline: 19 September 2026