Chief Mechanical Engineer - Mining Equipment

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive-level salary and benefits

Relocation support

Housing allowance

Profit-sharing opportunities

Leadership training programs

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban seeks a highly experienced Chief Mechanical Engineer to lead our equipment engineering division, overseeing maintenance, repair, and optimization of heavy mining machinery to maximize uptime.

This senior role manages a team of engineers and technicians, drives asset management and predictive maintenance, ensures safety and environmental compliance, and shapes capital equipment strategies in a demanding mining environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in mechanical engineering, with at least 5 years in a leadership role within the mining or heavy industry sector.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic plans for the maintenance and repair of all mining mechanical equipment.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of mechanical engineers and maintenance personnel.
• Oversee the procurement and implementation of new heavy machinery, ensuring optimal integration and performance.
• Troubleshoot complex mechanical failures and develop innovative solutions to enhance equipment reliability and lifespan.
• Ensure strict adherence to safety protocols, environmental standards, and company policies across all maintenance operations.

Skills

Leadership

Mechanical engineering

Asset management

Maintenance planning

Mining equipment

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced and visionary Chief Mechanical Engineer to lead their equipment engineering division in Durban . This senior role will oversee the maintenance, repair, and optimization of all heavy mining machinery, ensuring maximum uptime and operational efficiency. You will be responsible for managing a team of mechanical engineers and technicians, driving innovation in equipment performance, and ensuring compliance with all safety and environmental regulations. This is a critical leadership position for an individual passionate about mechanical engineering within the demanding context of the mining industry, contributing to the strategic asset management of a major player.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic plans for the maintenance and repair of all mining mechanical equipment.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of mechanical engineers and maintenance personnel.
• Oversee the procurement and implementation of new heavy machinery, ensuring optimal integration and performance.
• Troubleshoot complex mechanical failures and develop innovative solutions to enhance equipment reliability and lifespan.
• Ensure strict adherence to safety protocols, environmental standards, and company policies across all maintenance operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in mechanical engineering, with at least 5 years in a leadership role within the mining or heavy industry sector.
• In‑depth knowledge of heavy mining equipment, including excavators, trucks, crushers, and conveyor systems.
• Proven track record in asset management, predictive maintenance programs, and cost optimization.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem‑solving skills.

Benefits

• Executive‑level salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Performance‑based incentives and profit‑sharing opportunities.
• Relocation support and housing allowance.
• Extensive professional development and leadership training programs.
• Strategic influence over the company’s capital equipment investments and maintenance strategies.