Lead Mechanical Engineer - Mining Equipment

Placements24; Noord-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement fund

Performance bonuses

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Mechanical Engineer to head the mechanical design of heavy mining equipment in Kimberley, Northern Cape. You will lead a team of engineers, drive robust design, and ensure high performance and reliability in harsh mining environments.

The role requires a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering with 10+ years in design and 5+ years in leadership, advanced CAD/CAE proficiency, and strong project leadership.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years in mechanical design with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proficiency in CAD (SolidWorks, Inventor, AutoCAD) and CAE tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of complex mining equipment and subsystems.
• Mentor and manage a team of mechanical engineers.
• Create detailed 3D models, drawings, and documentation using CAD software.
• Perform stress, fatigue, thermal and vibration analyses (FEA, CFD).
• Ensure designs meet mining industry safety standards and operational requirements.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, operations and service for manufacturability and performance.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

AutoCAD

CAE tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading manufacturer of heavy-duty mining equipment, is seeking a highly experienced Lead Mechanical Engineer to join their robust engineering team in Kimberley, Northern Cape . This critical role involves leading the design, development, and continuous improvement of specialized machinery used in the mining industry. You will oversee a team of engineers, ensuring the delivery of robust, reliable, and high-performance equipment that meets the challenging demands of mining operations. The ideal candidate possesses extensive experience in heavy machinery design, a strong understanding of materials science and mechanics in harsh environments, and proven leadership capabilities. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to the vital mining sector and drive innovation in equipment technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and development of complex mining equipment, including excavators, drills, and processing machinery.
• Manage and mentor a team of mechanical engineers, assigning tasks and fostering professional growth.
• Oversee the creation of detailed 3D models, technical drawings, and comprehensive documentation using CAD software.
• Conduct rigorous engineering analyses, including stress, fatigue, thermal, and vibration simulations (FEA, CFD).
• Ensure all designs comply with stringent industry safety standards and operational requirements for mining environments.
• Collaborate closely with manufacturing, operations, and service departments to optimize designs for manufacturability, maintainability, and performance.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex mechanical issues encountered during production or in the field.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement initiatives for existing and new product lines.
• Prepare technical reports, project proposals, and present findings to senior management and stakeholders.
• Manage project timelines and resources effectively to ensure timely delivery of engineering solutions.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in mechanical design, with at least 5 years in a leadership role, preferably in heavy equipment or mining machinery.
• Demonstrated expertise in designing complex mechanical systems for demanding industrial applications.
• Advanced proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor, AutoCAD) and CAE tools.
• In-depth knowledge of materials selection, mechanics of materials, hydraulics, and power transmission systems.
• Strong understanding of mining operational environments and their impact on equipment design.
• Exceptional leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Proven project management abilities and experience delivering large-scale projects.
• Ability to think critically and solve complex engineering problems under pressure.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package including superior health insurance, a generous retirement fund, performance bonuses, and extensive opportunities for professional development and training. You will have the chance to work on impactful projects in the critical mining sector, within a supportive and technologically advanced environment in Kimberley . The company values innovation, safety, and employee well-being.