Lead Mechanical Engineer - Mining Equipment

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

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote position

Health, dental & vision insurance

Retirement savings plan with company-m

Annual bonus structure

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer to spearhead remote engineering efforts for heavy mining machinery. You will lead a team of engineers to design, validate, and optimize large-scale systems while ensuring safety and compliance.

The role requires 10+ years in mechanical design for heavy equipment, strong CAD/FEA skills, and proven leadership in distributed teams. Fully remote, with opportunities for professional development and industry engagement.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• 10+ years of experience in mechanical engineering, with a focus on heavy equipment or mining machinery.
• Experience leading remote engineering teams.
• Proficient in CAD software (SolidWorks, CATIA, AutoCAD) and FEA/CFD analysis tools.
• Knowledge of materials science, manufacturing processes, and industry standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of large-scale mechanical systems for mining equipment.
• Mentor a team of mechanical engineers; provide technical guidance and performance feedback.
• Create detailed specifications, project plans, and design documentation.

Skills

Leadership

Remote leadership

Mechanical design

Project management

Communication

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

AutoCAD

FEA/CFD tools (ANSYS)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dominant force in the design and manufacturing of heavy-duty mining machinery, is actively seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer to spearhead their remote engineering efforts. This is a fully remote position, offering the opportunity to shape critical projects from your own workspace. The successful candidate will leverage extensive experience in heavy machinery design and a strong understanding of the mining sector to lead a team of engineers in developing next‑generation equipment. This role requires exceptional leadership, a deep technical understanding of mechanical principles, and the ability to drive complex projects to successful completion in a distributed team environment. You will be instrumental in setting technical direction and ensuring the highest standards of engineering excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of large-scale mechanical systems and components for mining equipment, ensuring robust performance and durability.
• Manage and mentor a team of mechanical engineers, providing technical guidance, project oversight, and performance feedback.
• Develop detailed technical specifications, project plans, and design documentation for complex machinery.
• Conduct advanced engineering analysis, including structural integrity, fatigue life, and operational efficiency assessments.
• Collaborate effectively with clients, manufacturing partners, and internal stakeholders through virtual communication channels.
• Oversee the entire product lifecycle, from initial concept and feasibility studies through to prototyping, testing, and full-scale production support.
• Ensure designs comply with all relevant safety regulations, industry standards, and environmental requirements.
• Drive innovation by identifying and implementing new technologies and design methodologies.
• Troubleshoot complex engineering challenges and propose innovative solutions.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Over 10 years of proven experience in mechanical engineering, with a significant focus on heavy equipment or mining machinery design.
• Demonstrated experience in a leadership or senior engineering role, managing technical projects and teams.
• Expert proficiency in advanced CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, AutoCAD) and FEA/CFD analysis tools.
• In‑depth knowledge of materials science, manufacturing processes relevant to heavy industry, and relevant international standards.
• Exceptional analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate remote engineering teams.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, adaptable to virtual environments.
• Strong understanding of project management principles and risk assessment.

Benefits

• Fully remote position offering significant work‑life balance.
• Highly competitive annual salary of R .
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous retirement savings plan with company matching.
• Annual bonus structure based on company and individual performance.
• Opportunities for continued professional development and attending industry conferences.
• Access to leading‑edge engineering software and technologies.
• Be part of a pioneering team developing critical infrastructure solutions.