Lead Engineer - Mechanical (Underground Hard Rock Mining)

Aecom; Gauteng; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

AECOM is seeking a Lead Engineer - Mechanical (Underground Hard Rock Mining) to head mechanical design packages for copper and gold mining projects in Centurion, Gauteng. You will own material-handling and fixed-plant scopes from studies through commissioning, coordinating with civil, electrical and geotechnical teams.

Applicants should have a Mechanical Engineering degree, 9+ years in mining or bulk materials handling, and professional engineering registration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from a recognised institution.
• Professional registration as a P.Eng./Professional Engineer is required.
• Minimum 9 years of mechanical engineering experience in mining or bulk materials handling.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical engineering design packages for underground mining and materials handling projects in accordance with standards and client specs.
• Perform conveyor system design and analysis using Sidewinder and Belt Analyst software.
• Apply bulk solids handling and flow principles to design of bins, chutes and ore handling systems.
• Develop calculations, datasheets, scopes of work and design reports for mechanical systems.
• Lead the design and integration of crushing, screening, pumping, dewatering, dust management and ventilation systems.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary interfaces and conduct reviews, risk assessments, and design verifications.
• Mentor graduates and intermediate engineers; liaise with clients, vendors and site personnel.
• Support procurement, tender evaluations, construction activities and commissioning.

Skills

First-principles engineering

Materials handling

Bulk solids flow

Conveyor systems

Underground hard rock mining

Project leadership

Communication

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Registered Professional Engineer

Tools

Sidewinder

Belt Analyst

AutoCAD

Navisworks

Plant 3D

Revit

Job description

Lead Engineer - Mechanical (Underground Hard Rock Mining) AECOM•Centurion, Gauteng, South Africa

Job Description

You will lead mechanical engineering work packages for underground copper and gold hard-rock mining projects. The role covers studies, trade-off assessment, detailed design, procurement, construction support, commissioning and operational readiness.

You will take ownership of complex materials-handling and fixed-plant scopes, including crushing, conveying, transfer systems, pumping, dewatering, dust management, ventilation interfaces and associated underground infrastructure.

Here is what you will do:

• Lead the development and delivery of mechanical engineering design packages for underground mining and materials handling projects in accordance with Australian Standards, client specifications, and applicable mining legislation;
• Perform conveyor system design and analysis using Sidewinder and Belt Analyst Conveyor Design Software, including conveyor sizing, power calculations, dynamic analysis, transfer chute design coordination, and design optimisation;
• Apply formal bulk solids handling and flow principles to the design of bins, chutes, feeders, transfer stations, and ore handling systems to ensure reliable operability and maintainability;
• Develop engineering calculations, equipment specifications, datasheets, scopes of work, technical evaluations, and design reports for mechanical systems and equipment;
• Lead the design and integration of crushing, screening, conveying, pumping, dewatering, dust management, and ventilation systems associated with underground and surface mining operations;
• Develop practical solutions for dust suppression, dust extraction, and material containment in abrasive and high-throughput ore handling environments;
• Contribute to mine ventilation and ventilation-on-demand (VOD) infrastructure design, including coordination with ventilation specialists and integration of mechanical services within underground environments;
• Coordinate multidisciplinary interfaces including civil, structural, electrical, process, and geotechnical requirements to deliver integrated engineering outcomes;
• Conduct technical reviews, risk assessments, HAZOPs, constructability reviews, and design verification activities;
• Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and guidance to graduate and intermediate engineers and designers;
• Liaise directly with clients, vendors, project managers, and site personnel to manage technical deliverables, resolve engineering queries, and support project execution;
• Support procurement, tender evaluations, construction activities, commissioning, and operational readiness as required.

Here’s what we’re looking for:

• Strong first-principles engineering capability across materials handling, bulk-solids flow, rotating equipment, fluid systems and fixed plant.
• Practical understanding of underground hard-rock operations and the constraints of confined, remote and high-risk environments.
• Able to identify technical risk, challenge assumptions constructively and develop fit-for-purpose solutions.
• Clear communicator with project teams, vendors, site personnel and clients.
• Organised and able to manage competing priorities while maintaining quality under programme pressure.
• Collaborative, accountable and committed to mentoring and knowledge transfer.
• Experience using Discrete Element Modelling (DEM) software for bulk material flow analysis, transfer chute optimisation, and materials handling troubleshooting would be highly regarded;
• Experience with engineering and modelling software including AutoCAD, Navisworks, Plant 3D, Revit, or equivalent platforms;
• Sound working knowledge of relevant Australian Standards and mining legislation, including AS 4024, AS 1418, AS 4041, AS 4100, and WHS requirements. Equivalent international standards experience with demonstrated adaptability will also be considered.
• Experience working within multidisciplinary EPCM or consulting project environments;
• Proficiency across Microsoft Office Suite and engineering document management systems.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from a recognised institution.
• At least 9 years' mechanical engineering experience, including significant exposure to mining, bulk materials handling or heavy industry.
• Registered Professional Engineer with a recognised professional body.
• Demonstrated capability in conveyor systems, transfer systems, fixed plant and bulk-materials handling.
• Practical experience using at least one recognised conveyor-design package, including Sidewinder or Belt Analyst.
• Experience producing coordinated deliverables across concept, pre-feasibility, feasibility, detailed design and construction support.
• Professional fluency in written and spoken English and confidence engaging with international stakeholders.

Additional Information

At AECOM, you will have freedom to grow in a world of opportunity

At AECOM, our Freedom to Grow philosophy supports flexibility and balance to help our people thrive. As part of this approach, we ask all hybrid employees to work from an AECOM office at least three days per week.

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.

What makes AECOM a great place to work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects – both in your local community and on a global scale – that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community – where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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