Lead Mechanical Engineer - Mining Equipment Development

Placements24; Rustenburg; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses

Medical aid

Pension fund

Generous annual leave

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer for a dominant mining equipment manufacturer in Rustenburg, North West. You will guide a team from concept to production to ensure efficiency, safety and durability.

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering with 8+ years in heavy industrial/mining design, leading teams, and hands-on CAD/FEA work (SolidWorks, Inventor, FEA, CFD). Strong communication and project management are essential.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in mechanical design for heavy industrial/mining equipment.
• Proven experience leading engineering teams and managing complex projects.
• Expertise in CAD software (SolidWorks, Inventor) and advanced simulation tools (FEA, CFD).
• In-depth knowledge of materials, metallurgy, hydraulics, and heavy machinery dynamics.
• Strong manufacturing process understanding and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities.
• Eligible to work in South Africa.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design and lifecycle management for new mining equipment.
• Provide technical direction and mentorship to engineers and designers.
• Develop 3D models, drawings, and specifications for components and assemblies.
• Perform performance, stress, and thermal analyses using FEA and simulations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure project success.
• Oversee prototype development, testing, and validation.
• Troubleshoot design and manufacturing issues.
• Implement innovative design solutions for reliability and safety.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, safety and environmental requirements.
• Manage timelines, budgets, and available resources.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Team management

Project management

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

FEA

CFD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dominant force in the mining equipment manufacturing sector, is seeking a highly experienced Lead Mechanical Engineer to spearhead critical development projects in Rustenburg, North West . This role is integral to the innovation and enhancement of heavy-duty mining machinery. You will guide a team of talented engineers, driving projects from concept through to production, ensuring our equipment remains at the forefront of efficiency, safety, and durability. The successful candidate will possess deep expertise in the design and mechanics of large-scale industrial equipment and a strong leadership aptitude. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of mining technology in a key industrial hub of South Africa.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the mechanical design and engineering lifecycle for new mining equipment and system upgrades.
• Provide technical direction and mentorship to a team of mechanical engineers and designers.
• Develop detailed 3D models, engineering drawings, and technical specifications for complex mechanical components and assemblies.
• Conduct comprehensive performance, stress, and thermal analysis using FEA and other simulation tools.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including project management, manufacturing, and field service, to ensure successful project execution.
• Oversee prototype development, rigorous testing, and validation procedures to meet stringent performance requirements.
• Troubleshoot complex engineering issues encountered during design, manufacturing, or field operation.
• Research and implement innovative design solutions to improve equipment reliability, productivity, and safety.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant industry standards, safety regulations, and environmental requirements for mining equipment.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources effectively to ensure on-time and within-budget delivery.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in mechanical design and engineering, with a significant focus on heavy industrial or mining equipment.
• Proven experience leading engineering teams and managing complex design projects.
• Expertise in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor, or equivalent) and advanced simulation tools (FEA, CFD).
• In-depth knowledge of materials science, metallurgy, hydraulics, and heavy machinery dynamics.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes relevant to heavy equipment production.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Outstanding communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• Experience with project management tools and methodologies.
• Eligibility to work in **South Africa** is mandatory.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and pension fund benefits.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development and international training.
• Exposure to cutting-edge technology in the mining industry.
• Stable and secure employment in Rustenburg, North West .
• Potential for career progression within a global organization.