Senior Mechanical Maintenance Engineer

Placements24; Willows (CA); Hybrid; USD 73,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Housing allowance

Training opportunities

Safety-focused culture

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Mechanical Maintenance Engineer to lead maintenance strategies for fixed and mobile plant near Welkom, Free State. The role combines on-site oversight with remote planning and analysis.

You will manage teams of mechanical artisans, drive reliability improvements, and ensure SHEQ compliance across operations. CMMS experience (SAP PM/Oracle eAM) is valued.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering required.
• 8+ years in mechanical maintenance engineering in heavy industry.
• Leadership of maintenance teams.
• Experience with CMMS (SAP PM, Oracle eAM).
• Knowledge of RCM and FMEA.
• Familiarity with SA mining and OHS regulations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine maintenance strategies for fixed and mobile plant equipment.
• Lead maintenance teams and mentor technicians.
• Plan and execute preventive maintenance, overhauls, major repairs.
• Conduct failure analysis and root cause investigations.
• Manage budgets and control costs.
• Ensure SHEQ compliance.
• Collaborate with production to minimize downtime.
• Use CMMS for work orders, asset tracking, data analysis.
• Recommend upgrades to improve reliability.
• Prepare reports and performance metrics.
• Provide technical support to site personnel and contractors.
• Champion continuous improvement in maintenance.

Skills

Mechanical engineering

Leadership

CMMS

RCM

FMEA

Safety awareness

Root cause analysis

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Professional Engineer registration

Tools

SAP PM

Oracle eAM

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a major player in the mining and resources sector, seeking a highly experienced Senior Mechanical Maintenance Engineer to join their operations near **Welkom, Free State**. This role is pivotal in ensuring the reliability and efficiency of critical mechanical assets within the operational environment. You will be responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive maintenance strategies, leading maintenance teams, and overseeing major repair projects. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in mechanical engineering principles, extensive experience in industrial maintenance, and exceptional leadership qualities. This position involves a hybrid work model, combining essential on-site presence for operational oversight and hands-on problem-solving with the flexibility of remote work for planning, analysis, and reporting. You will play a key role in optimizing maintenance schedules, reducing downtime, and ensuring the highest standards of safety and operational integrity. Join a company committed to technological advancement and the professional growth of its engineering talent, contributing to the success of large-scale industrial operations in the **Welkom** area.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and refine mechanical maintenance strategies and programs for fixed and mobile plant equipment.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of mechanical artisans and technicians, fostering a culture of safety and high performance.
• Oversee the planning and execution of scheduled preventative maintenance, overhauls, and major repair projects.
• Conduct detailed failure analysis and root cause investigations for mechanical equipment failures.
• Manage maintenance budgets, control costs, and optimize resource allocation.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, health, environmental, and quality (SHEQ) standards and regulations.
• Collaborate with production teams to minimize equipment downtime and maximize operational efficiency.
• Utilize CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) for work order management, asset tracking, and data analysis.
• Evaluate and recommend upgrades or modifications to mechanical systems to improve reliability and performance.
• Prepare technical reports, performance metrics, and recommendations for management.
• Provide technical expertise and support to site personnel and contractors.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives within the maintenance department.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or BTech in Mechanical Engineering.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) or Professional Engineering Technologist (Pr. Tech. Eng.) registration is highly desirable.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in mechanical maintenance engineering within heavy industry, such as mining, manufacturing, or energy sectors.
• Proven experience in leading and managing maintenance teams.
• In-depth knowledge of mechanical systems, including rotating equipment, static equipment, pumps, compressors, and conveyor systems.
• Strong understanding of maintenance best practices, reliability-centered maintenance (RCM), and FMEA.
• Experience with CMMS software (e.g., SAP PM, Oracle eAM).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in project management methodologies.
• Familiarity with relevant South African mining and OHS regulations.
• Ability to work effectively in both on-site and remote settings as per the hybrid model.

Benefits

• Attractive salary package reflecting experience and qualifications.
• Performance bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Opportunities for advanced technical training and professional development.
• Relocation assistance may be considered for suitable candidates.
• Company-provided accommodation or housing allowance.
• Exposure to large-scale, complex industrial projects.
• A dynamic work environment with a strong emphasis on safety and innovation.