Senior Mechanical Engineer - Plant & Machinery

Placements24; Kimberley; On-site; CAD 76,000 - 126,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in South Africa seeks a Senior Mechanical Engineer to oversee maintenance, repair, and optimization of plant machinery at Kimberley site. You will lead a team of engineers and technicians to improve reliability, safety and asset performance.

The role requires a BEng/BSc in Mechanical Engineering, 7+ years in heavy industry, expertise in predictive maintenance, CMMS, and strong leadership. On-site position with opportunities for advancement and competitive compensation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (B.Eng. or B.Sc.).
• Minimum 7 years of experience in mechanical engineering focusing on plant maintenance.
• Proven leadership of maintenance teams and mechanical projects.
• Experience with heavy industrial machinery, rotating equipment, hydraulics and pneumatics.
• Experience with predictive maintenance technologies (e.g., vibration analysis, thermography).
• Proficiency with CMMS software.
• Willingness to work on-site in Kimberley, Northern Cape.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage mechanical maintenance and engineering functions for the plant.
• Develop and implement preventive and predictive maintenance programs for all plant machinery.
• Oversee major repair and overhaul projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.
• Troubleshoot complex mechanical failures and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Conduct performance analysis of mechanical equipment and identify opportunities for improvement and upgrades.
• Manage a team of mechanical engineers, technicians, and maintenance personnel, providing guidance and training.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations related to plant operations.
• Collaborate with procurement for spare parts management and vendor selection.
• Contribute to capital expenditure planning for machinery upgrades and replacements.

Skills

Mechanical maintenance

Team leadership

Preventive maintenance

Troubleshooting

Project management

Vibration analysis

Education

B.Eng. or B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CMMS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the industrial processing sector, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Mechanical Engineer to oversee the maintenance, repair, and optimization of plant machinery and equipment. This critical role is based in Kimberley, Northern Cape . The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of heavy industrial machinery, mechanical systems, and predictive/preventive maintenance strategies. You will be responsible for ensuring the operational efficiency, reliability, and safety of the plant's mechanical assets, leading a team of technicians and engineers. This is a challenging but rewarding opportunity for a seasoned professional to make a significant impact on operational performance and asset management within a key industrial hub of the Northern Cape region.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and manage the mechanical maintenance and engineering functions for the plant. Develop and implement comprehensive preventive and predictive maintenance programs for all plant machinery. Oversee major repair and overhaul projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget. Troubleshoot complex mechanical failures and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Conduct performance analysis of mechanical equipment and identify opportunities for improvement and upgrades. Manage a team of mechanical engineers, technicians, and maintenance personnel, providing guidance and training. Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations related to plant operations. Collaborate with procurement for spare parts management and vendor selection. Contribute to capital expenditure planning for machinery upgrades and replacements.

Requirements

B.Eng. or B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering. Minimum of 7 years of experience in mechanical engineering, with a strong focus on plant maintenance, operations, and machinery in an industrial setting. Proven experience in leading maintenance teams and managing mechanical projects. In-depth knowledge of heavy industrial machinery, rotating equipment, hydraulics, and pneumatics. Experience with predictive maintenance technologies (e.g., vibration analysis, thermography) is essential. Strong understanding of safety regulations and environmental compliance in an industrial context. Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills. Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal abilities. Proficiency in CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) software. Must be willing to work on-site in Kimberley, Northern Cape .

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary package commensurate with experience, along with comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits. Performance-based bonuses are also a key part of the remuneration. This role provides significant autonomy and responsibility, with ample opportunities for career progression. Our client invests in their employees' professional development through training programs and exposure to advanced maintenance techniques. You will be part of a vital operation contributing to the industrial landscape of Kimberley, Northern Cape , working in a dynamic and challenging environment.