Chief Mechanical Engineer - Mining Equipment

Placements24; Soweto; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive executive salary

Performance-based bonus

Hybrid work model

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in South Africa seeks a seasoned Chief Mechanical Engineer to lead the mining mechanical team in the Soweto area, with remote support as needed.

The role focuses on design, maintenance, reliability, and optimization of heavy mining equipment, with responsibility for budgets, projects, and safety compliance across operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering is required.
• Minimum 8 years in mechanical engineering with at least 5 years in a supervisory/managerial role.
• Experience managing maintenance programs for large mining equipment.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, and materials science.
• Proficiency with CMMS and diagnostic tools.
• Excellent leadership and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the mechanical engineering department, including planning, scheduling, and execution of maintenance and repair activities.
• Develop and implement preventative and predictive maintenance programs for mining equipment (excavators, haul trucks, crushers, conveyors).
• Oversee major mechanical projects (upgrades, installations, modifications).
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Manage budgets, resources, and spare parts procurement.
• Provide technical guidance to maintenance teams and operations staff.
• Analyze equipment performance data to identify improvements and cost savings.

Skills

Leadership

Maintenance management

Project management

Diagnostics tools

CMMS

Mechanical systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree (advantageous)

Tools

CMMS

Diagnostics tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Chief Mechanical Engineer to lead their mechanical engineering team, supporting mining operations in the Soweto area and remotely. This senior role is responsible for the design, maintenance, and reliability of all mechanical equipment and systems critical to the mining process. You will oversee maintenance strategies, manage engineering projects, and ensure the optimal performance and longevity of heavy mining machinery. This position requires strong technical leadership and a deep understanding of mechanical systems in a demanding industrial environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the mechanical engineering department, including planning, scheduling, and execution of maintenance and repair activities.


• Develop and implement comprehensive preventative and predictive maintenance programs for all critical mining equipment , including excavators, haul trucks, crushers, and conveyors.


• Oversee major mechanical projects, including equipment upgrades, installations, and modifications.


• Ensure all mechanical operations comply with stringent health, safety, and environmental regulations.


• Manage departmental budgets, resource allocation, and procurement of spare parts and equipment.


• Provide technical expertise and guidance to maintenance teams and operational staff.


• Analyze equipment performance data to identify areas for improvement and cost optimization.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering; a Master's degree is advantageous.


• Minimum of 8 years of experience in mechanical engineering, with at least 5 years in a supervisory or managerial role within the heavy industry or mining sector .


• Proven experience in managing maintenance programs for large mobile and fixed mining equipment.


• Strong knowledge of mechanical systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, and materials science.


• Proficiency in utilizing maintenance management systems (CMMS) and diagnostic tools.


• Excellent leadership, project management, and problem-solving skills.

Benefits

• Competitive executive salary and performance-based bonus.


• Comprehensive medical, risk, and retirement benefits.


• Hybrid work model allowing for flexibility.


• Opportunities for professional development and leadership training.


• A challenging and rewarding role with significant impact on operations.