Design Engineer Bulk Materials Handling

Network Recruitment; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Network Recruitment seeks an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer to join our industrial engineering team focused on bulk materials handling systems for mining, minerals processing, and heavy industry. You will design and develop mechanical equipment, perform calculations, and produce 3D models and drawings from concept to commissioning.

The role requires hands-on problem-solving, strong CAD skills (SolidWorks, Inventor, or similar), and the ability to work with multidisciplinary teams to

Qualifications

• BEng/BSc/BTech in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• Experience in mechanical design for bulk materials handling, mining, minerals processing or heavy industrial equipment.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks, Inventor, Solid Edge or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical equipment and systems for bulk materials handling applications.
• Produce detailed 3D models, manufacturing drawings, general arrangement drawings and engineering documentation.
• Perform engineering calculations, equipment sizing and design verification.
• Detail components for conveyors, feeders, chutes, transfer points, hoppers, crushers and related equipment.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant engineering standards, safety requirements and project specifications.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering, manufacturing, fabrication, procurement and project teams.
• Conduct design reviews, identify improvements and resolve technical challenges.
• Provide technical support during manufacturing, assembly, installation and commissioning.
• Liaise with clients and suppliers to clarify requirements and develop fit-for-purpose solutions.
• Support equipment optimisation, troubleshooting and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Prepare bills of materials, technical specifications and other design documentation.

Skills

Mechanical design

Engineering calculations

CAD proficiency

Problem-solving

Technical communication

Manufacturing processes

Education

Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Autodesk Inventor

Solid Edge

Job description

An exciting opportunity exists for an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer to join an engineering team specialising in bulk materials handling equipment and systems. The successful candidate will be responsible for mechanical design, engineering calculations, equipment development and technical support for bulk materials handling applications across the mining, minerals processing and industrial sectors.

This role is suited to a technically strong engineer with experience in the design and development of mechanical equipment, material handling systems and heavy-duty industrial machinery.

Key Responsibilities

Design and develop mechanical equipment and systems for bulk materials handling applications. Produce detailed 3D models, manufacturing drawings, general arrangement drawings and engineering documentation. Perform engineering calculations, equipment sizing and mechanical design verification. Design and detail components for conveyors, feeders, chutes, transfer points, hoppers, crushers and related materials handling equipment, as applicable. Ensure designs comply with relevant engineering standards, safety requirements and project specifications. Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering, manufacturing, fabrication, procurement and project teams. Conduct design reviews, identify potential design improvements and resolve technical challenges. Provide technical support during manufacturing, assembly, installation and commissioning. Liaise with clients and suppliers to clarify technical requirements and develop fit-for-purpose engineering solutions. Support equipment optimisation, troubleshooting and continuous improvement initiatives. Prepare bills of materials, technical specifications and other design-related documentation.

Minimum Requirements

BEng/BSc/BTech in Mechanical Engineering or a relevant mechanical engineering qualification. Relevant experience in mechanical design, preferably within bulk materials handling, mining, minerals processing or heavy industrial equipment. Proficiency in 3D CAD software, such as SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, Solid Edge or an equivalent design package. Strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles, engineering drawings, tolerances and manufacturing processes. Experience with engineering calculations, component selection and mechanical design verification. Knowledge of fabrication, machining, welding and assembly processes. Ability to interpret technical specifications and translate requirements into practical engineering designs. Strong analytical, problem-solving and technical communication skills.

Advantageous Experience

Experience designing conveyor systems, feeders, chutes, hoppers, transfer stations or other bulk materials handling equipment. Exposure to mining equipment, mineral processing plants or heavy-duty industrial machinery. Familiarity with FEA, structural analysis or mechanical simulation tools. Experience with design for manufacture, equipment installation and commissioning. Knowledge of relevant industry standards and bulk materials handling design practices.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a hands-on, detail-oriented Mechanical Design Engineer who understands the demands of heavy industrial equipment and can develop reliable, cost-effective and manufacturable engineering solutions. They should be comfortable working in a project-driven environment, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and taking ownership of mechanical designs from concept through to manufacture and implementation.