Senior Mechanical Engineer - Mining Equipment Design

Placements24; Willows (CA); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary & bonuses

Medical aid & retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer for a global mining technology leader in Welkom, South Africa. You will drive design and development of heavy mining equipment, applying 3D CAD, FEA, and materials science to deliver robust, safe machinery.

You will collaborate with electrical and hydraulic engineers, perform durability testing, create manufacturing drawings, and contribute to maintenance manuals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• 7+ years of hands-on design experience with heavy mobile equipment or mining machinery.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software and FEA/CFD analysis tools.
• Solid understanding of mechanics of materials, machine design, hydraulics, and tribology.
• Experience with durability testing and validation protocols for heavy equipment.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Knowledge of South African mining regulations and standards is an advantage.
• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and validate mechanical components and systems for heavy mining equipment.
• Perform detailed mechanical design using CAD software such as SolidWorks or Inventor.
• Conduct structural, fatigue life, and vibration analyses using FEA tools.
• Specify materials with wear resistance and environmental factors in mind.
• Collaborate with electrical and hydraulic engineers to integrate complex systems.
• Develop prototypes, run tests, and refine designs.
• Create manufacturing drawings, assembly instructions, and maintenance manuals.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing, QA, and field service teams.
• Stay current with advancements in mining technology and mechanical engineering principles.

Skills

CAD proficiency

Mechanical design

Team collaboration

Materials knowledge

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering

Master's in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

FEA

CFD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in mining technology and equipment manufacturing, is seeking a highly motivated Senior Mechanical Engineer to join their product development team in Welkom, Free State . This role is critical for the design, development, and improvement of heavy-duty mining machinery. You will leverage your expertise in mechanical design, material selection, and stress analysis to create robust and reliable equipment that meets the demanding requirements of the mining industry. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of dynamic systems, hydraulics, and structural integrity. You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of engineers, technicians, and field specialists to ensure our products deliver exceptional performance and value. This is a significant opportunity to contribute to the advancement of mining operations worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and validate new mechanical components and systems for heavy mining equipment, including excavators, drills, and material handling systems.
• Perform detailed mechanical design using advanced CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor).
• Conduct structural analysis, fatigue life assessment, and vibration analysis using FEA tools to ensure design robustness.
• Specify materials of construction, considering wear resistance, strength, and environmental factors specific to mining operations.
• Collaborate with electrical and hydraulic engineers to integrate complex systems.
• Develop prototypes, conduct testing, and analyze results to refine designs.
• Create comprehensive technical documentation, including manufacturing drawings, assembly instructions, and maintenance manuals.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing, quality assurance, and field service teams.
• Stay current with advancements in mining technology and mechanical engineering principles.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• A minimum of 7 years of hands-on experience in mechanical design, with a strong emphasis on heavy mobile equipment or mining machinery.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software and experience with FEA/CFD analysis tools.
• Solid understanding of mechanics of materials, machine design, hydraulics, and tribology.
• Experience with durability testing and validation protocols for heavy equipment.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Knowledge of South African mining regulations and standards is an advantage.
• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Opportunities for advanced training and professional development in mining technology.
• Access to state-of-the‑art design facilities and testing equipment.
• Relocation assistance available for candidates moving to Welkom .
• Participation in challenging projects with global impact.
• A supportive team environment focused on innovation and continuous improvement.