Mechanical Engineer

Anglo American; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 700 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading mining company in Cape Town is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to lead R&D projects for improving marine mining systems. You will design mechanical systems, oversee fabrication, and ensure compliance with quality standards. The ideal candidate will have a relevant engineering degree and 3-5 years of engineering experience. Strong mechanical design, team management skills, and proficiency in CAD tools are essential. This role requires occasional travel to sea and offers a chance to impact the mining industry positively.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years post-qualification engineering experience with focus on conceptual design.
• Proven experience in mechanical design product development from concept to evaluation.
• Experience in designing or developing mobile mechanized mining machinery is a distinct asset.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of R&D projects for marine mining systems.
• Design mechanical systems for mining applications.
• Oversee mechanical fabrication quality to ensure design intent is met.

Skills

Mechanical Design

Report Writing

Team Skills

Testing and Evaluation

Research and Development

Analyzing Information

Conceptual Thinking

Education

BSc Eng / BEng / BTech Degree in Mechanical, Marine, Mining, or Naval Engineering

MSc Eng / MEng

Tools

MS Office

CAE/CAD tools

CFD, DEM

Job description

Overview

De Beers Upstream Technology offers advanced technical services to upstream operations, partnering to add value across the value chain. Formed in 2025 from the merger of De Beers Marine and the Ignite Division of De Beers Group, we design, develop, deliver, and support innovative technology and engineering solutions through a suite of technology products and turnkey services. We provide complete systems to clients as an integrated technology and engineering partner, driven by excellence, focusing on optimizing performance, enhancing efficiencies, and maximizing profitability.

Job Description

This role reports into the Senior Mechanical Engineer. The incumbent will be responsible for leading the development and execution of R&D projects aimed at improving existing and developing new marine mining and recovery systems and equipment.

Your role will:

• Mechanical Design
  • Design mechanical systems for mining applications.
  • Coordinate system integration and baseline establishment.
  • Maintain drawing and mining tool enhancement details, reports and knowledge base.
• Technical Oversight
  • Develop and review technical specifications and tender documents.
  • Oversee mechanical fabrication quality to ensure design intent is met.
  • Conduct engineering analyses and evaluate equipment suitability.
• System Improvement & Readiness
  • Understand, analyze and improve the effectiveness/efficiency of existing mining/sampling systems as directed.
  • Support the operational readiness of new systems.
  • Conceptualize, evaluate and develop new mining/sampling systems as directed.
• Test Facilities & Data Analysis
  • Co-ordinate or manage R&D projects and manage R&D test facilities as directed.
  • Support design, upgrade, and maintenance of test facilities.
  • Integrate and commission scale test models at test facilities.
  • Analyze test data and draw conclusions on how to improve mining tool and recovery performance.
• Design Coordination & Standards
  • Lead mechanical design standards and task coordination.
  • Implement and maintain CAD and configuration management systems.
• Knowledge Management & Technology Transfer
  • Assimilate knowledge gained into appropriate format, and build competency knowledge base.
  • Disseminate technology/know-how (tech-transfer) through reports, presentations, and discussion.
• Financial Management
  • Manage departmental budget and control expenditure.
  • Ensure compliance with procurement contracts and financial procedures.
• Client & Reporting
  • Liaise with clients on technical matters.
  • Prepare reports on system and sub-system designs.
• Safety, Health, Security and Environment
  • Adhere to and promote applicable legislation, company safety, security, and environmental policies, procedures, goals, and objectives.
• Operational Deployment
  • The incumbent will be required to go to sea as and when required.

Qualifications

• BSc Eng / BEng / BTech Degree in Mechanical, Marine, Mining, or Naval Engineering.
• MSc Eng / MEng will be advantageous.

Minimum Requirements

• 3-5 yrs post-qualification engineering experience, with focus on conceptual design and experimental testing in fluid mechanics and terramechanics.
• Proven experience in mechanical design product/system development from concept to evaluation.
• Skilled in assimilating knowledge gained into appropriate formats and databases, and dissemination of technology through technical reports and presentations.
• Proficiency in MS Office is essential.
• Experience with CAE/CAD tools, including solid modeling.
• Experience in CFD, DEM and advanced use of MS Excel for simulation and modeling is essential.
• Experience in designing or developing mobile mechanized mining machinery will be a distinct asset.
• As the role involves collaboration across various levels of the organization, strong team and people management skills are essential.

Skills / Competencies

• Mechanical Design
• Report Writing & Presentation skills
• Team/People skills
• Testing & Evaluation skills
• Research and development capabilities
• Analyzing and Interpretation of information
• Conceptual Thinking and Numerical Analysis Fluency

Background Checks

Successful candidates will be required to complete background screening which may include a criminal check, validation of qualifications and medicals fitness.

Additional Information

Who we are: De Beers Group is a company with a sparkling future. Our experts have searched the world for nature’s most precious gem. Our diamonds bring beauty to the world. But we think they can do so much more. We want our diamonds, and our business, to make life brilliant – for our people, our customers and the world around us.

Safety

Safety first is a way of life for us. We are unconditional about the safety, health and well-being of our colleagues, at work and at home, and about that of the communities where we work. We aim to lead the industry by investing in innovation to protect people, who are at the heart of our business. Our high performing teams take accountability for their own and others\' actions, work collaboratively, and always show care and respect.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

As a global #HeForShe Thematic Champion, De Beers is committed to promoting an equitable, inclusive and diverse workplace where we value and respect every colleague for who they are. We provide equality of opportunity to enable everyone to fulfil their potential. Please inform us should there be any special requirements that should be considered as part of your application.

Building Forever

Sustainability is at the heart of our decision-making – it is how we do business. Building Forever is key to our purpose as it represents our ambitious and holistic sustainability framework and is central to our ability to deliver long-term value to our communities and partners. This shapes how we protect our social and environmental license to operate, build a long-term legacy in our host communities and earn consumers’ trust in our diamonds that they can wear with pride.

Referrals

Referral incentive Not applicable: This job is open to employee referral, but NO referral incentive is payable

Background Checks

Successful candidates will be required to complete background screening which may include a criminal check and validation of qualifications

Closing Date: 12 February 2026

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