Mechanical Design Engineer - Mining Equipment Systems

Placements24; Polokwane; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Paid annual leave

Professional development opportunities

Overtime as needed

Job summary

Placements24 in Polokwane, Limpopo, seeks an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer to strengthen its product development team. You will design components for large-scale mining equipment, model in 3D, and perform structural analyses to ensure robust, reliable machinery.

The role requires a degree in mechanical engineering, at least five years in heavy machinery, and strong teamwork. Proficiency in SolidWorks, Inventor and AutoCAD is essential; FEA and hydraulic/pneumatic system knowledge is a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of mechanical design experience in heavy machinery or related industries.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, Inventor, AutoCAD).
• Experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for structural/thermal analysis.
• Knowledge of hydraulic and pneumatic systems is advantageous.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and assemblies for mining equipment.
• Utilize CAD software for 3D modeling and produce BOMs.
• Perform structural analysis, fatigue life calculations, and testing.
• Choose materials and components suitable for harsh environments.
• Collaborate with electrical and hydraulic engineers for system integration.
• Support manufacturing and assemblies, addressing design issues.

Skills

Mechanical design

CAD modeling

FEA experience

Structural analysis

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

AutoCAD

FEA software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent manufacturer of heavy-duty mining equipment, is seeking a dedicated Mechanical Design Engineer to enhance their product development team in Polokwane, Limpopo . This role is integral to the design, refinement, and optimization of robust mechanical systems for surface and underground mining machinery. You will engage in projects that require a deep understanding of structural mechanics, material science under extreme conditions, and hydraulic/pneumatic systems. The ideal candidate will possess a strong portfolio of mechanical design projects, preferably within the heavy equipment or industrial sector. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to essential industries, working on machinery that operates in challenging environments. We are looking for a practical, hands-on engineer with a passion for robust and reliable mechanical solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and assemblies for large-scale mining equipment, including excavators, drills, loaders, and conveying systems.
• Utilize advanced CAD software for 3D modeling, creating detailed drawings, and generating Bills of Materials (BOM).
• Perform structural analysis, stress testing, and fatigue life calculations to ensure the durability and safety of designs.
• Specify materials and select components (bearings, gears, actuators, seals) suitable for harsh operating environments.
• Collaborate with electrical and hydraulic engineers to integrate systems and ensure seamless functionality.
• Assist in the manufacturing and assembly process, providing technical support and resolving design-related issues.
• Develop and conduct testing procedures for prototypes and production equipment, documenting performance and reliability.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of existing product lines through design modifications and upgrades.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in mechanical design and engineering, with a focus on heavy machinery, industrial equipment, or automotive applications.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor, AutoCAD).
• Experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software for structural and thermal analysis.
• Solid understanding of material science, mechanics of materials, and machine design principles.
• Knowledge of hydraulic and pneumatic systems is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with mining operations and equipment requirements is a plus.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
• Good communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary with opportunities for performance bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid, including hospitalization and routine care.
• Retirement fund contribution benefits.
• Generous paid annual leave and public holidays.
• Professional development opportunities, including specialized training on heavy equipment and systems.
• Exposure to advanced engineering practices and large-scale manufacturing environments.
• A stable and supportive work environment within an established industry player.
• Potential for overtime work when required for project deadlines.