Chief Ventilation Engineer

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Global health insurance

Long-term incentives

Retirement plan

Remote work flexibility

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a visionary Chief Ventilation Engineer to lead our ventilation strategy for underground mines. This fully remote role is designed for a strategic leader capable of managing dispersed teams across South Africa and delivering world-class ventilation design and optimization.

The incumbent will oversee airflow modeling, regulatory compliance, dust suppression, and the installation of auxiliary systems while driving innovation and safety.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Mining Engineering with specialization in Ventilation or Environmental Engineering.
• Minimum 12 years' progressive experience in mine ventilation engineering, with underground operations.
• Extensive experience with mine ventilation software (e.g., Ventsim, Minescape).
• Strong knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and air quality in mining environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee comprehensive underground mine ventilation systems.
• Run airflow modeling and simulations to optimize networks.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and environmental regulations.
• Lead dust suppression and air quality improvement strategies.
• Design and install auxiliary ventilation systems, fans and ducting.
• Collaborate with planning, production and safety departments.
• Mentor ventilation engineers and technicians.
• Conduct feasibility studies and cost-benefit analyses for projects.
• Track advancements in ventilation technologies and methods.
• Troubleshoot ventilation issues and implement solutions.

Skills

Leadership & team management

Airflow modeling

Regulatory compliance

Remote team communication

Education

Master's or PhD in Mining Engineering with Ventilation

Tools

Ventsim

Minescape Ventilation

Job description

About the Role

Our client is at the vanguard of sustainable and technologically advanced mining operations . We are seeking a visionary Chief Ventilation Engineer to lead our ventilation strategy and design initiatives. This is a critical, fully remote role, offering the flexibility to work from any location while making a substantial impact on our operations across South Africa . You will be responsible for developing and implementing world-class ventilation systems, ensuring optimal air quality, temperature control, and dust suppression within our underground mines. Your expertise will be paramount in maintaining a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, driving innovation in ventilation technology, and ensuring compliance with all regulatory standards. This position requires a leader who can manage complex projects and collaborate effectively across geographically dispersed teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, design, and oversee the implementation of comprehensive mine ventilation systems for underground operations.
• Conduct airflow modeling and simulations to optimize ventilation networks and predict conditions.
• Ensure compliance with all ventilation-related health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Manage dust suppression and control strategies to maintain air quality standards.
• Oversee the design and installation of auxiliary ventilation systems, fans, and ducting.
• Collaborate with mine planning, production, and safety departments to integrate ventilation requirements.
• Lead and mentor a team of ventilation engineers and technicians.
• Conduct feasibility studies and cost-benefit analyses for proposed ventilation projects.
• Stay abreast of advancements in ventilation technology and methodologies.
• Troubleshoot ventilation-related issues and implement effective solutions.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Mining Engineering with a specialization in Ventilation or Environmental Engineering.
• A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in mine ventilation engineering, with a strong track record in underground operations.
• Extensive experience with mine ventilation software (e.g., Ventsim, Minescape Ventilation).
• Deep understanding of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and air quality management in mining environments.
• Proven experience in managing large-scale ventilation projects and teams.
• Excellent leadership, strategic planning, and communication skills, with the ability to manage remote teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Registered Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng) or equivalent is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive executive-level salary, coupled with significant performance bonuses and long-term incentive plans.
• Comprehensive global health insurance, including dependents, is provided, along with robust life, disability, and critical illness coverage.
• A top-tier retirement savings plan is available.
• We are committed to your professional growth, offering opportunities for advanced training, research collaborations, and attendance at international conferences.
• This fully remote role provides unparalleled work-life flexibility, allowing you to excel in your career while maintaining personal well-being.