Mechanical Engineer - Heavy Industrial Machinery

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration package

Medical aid and retirement fund

Professional development opportunities

Strong safety culture

Generous leave and holidays

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a skilled Mechanical Engineer for an on-site role in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. You will design and support large-scale mining and industrial equipment, coordinating with site teams and external vendors to keep assets safe and reliable.

We expect 7+ years in mechanical design, proficiency with AutoCAD/SolidWorks, and the ability to apply SANS/ASME codes. Travel within SA may be required; join a team focused on safety, efficiency, and impactful projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent practical experience.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in mechanical design and engineering.
• Proficiency with CAD software for drawings and specifications.
• Experience with structural analysis and material selection.
• Knowledge of mechanical systems including hydraulics and power transmission.
• Ability to interpret engineering standards and codes (e.g., SANS, ASME).
• Strong diagnostic, problem-solving and communication skills.
• Experience in project coordination and technical documentation.
• Willingness to travel occasionally within South Africa.

Responsibilities

• Design and engineer mechanical components and systems for heavy industrial machinery such as crushers and conveyors.
• Develop detailed drawings, schematics, and fabrication specifications.
• Conduct stress, fatigue, and thermal analyses for reliability.
• Specify materials and subsystems considering durability and cost.
• Provide technical support for installation, commissioning, and operation.
• Investigate failures, identify root causes, and implement improvements.
• Collaborate with site engineers and technicians to ensure design compliance.
• Manage small to medium engineering projects including scope, budget, and timelines.
• Ensure compliance with industry codes and safety regulations.

Skills

CAD software

Structural analysis

Hydraulics & pneumatics

Project coordination

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the heavy industrial machinery sector, is seeking a skilled and experienced Mechanical Engineer to join their expanding operations. This vital role is situated in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal , a key industrial port city in South Africa. The Mechanical Engineer will be integral to the design, development, modification, and support of large-scale industrial equipment, including mining machinery, material handling systems, and processing plants. This is an exceptional opportunity to work on robust, high-impact engineering projects within a demanding environment. We are looking for a practical and resourceful engineer with a proven ability to tackle complex mechanical challenges and deliver reliable solutions. The role involves close collaboration with site operations, maintenance teams, project managers, and external vendors to ensure the optimal performance and longevity of critical assets. Our client is dedicated to maintaining high standards of safety, operational efficiency, and environmental responsibility, fostering a culture where engineering expertise is highly valued. If you possess a strong mechanical aptitude and thrive in an industrial setting, this position offers significant professional engagement and contribution.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and engineer mechanical components and systems for heavy industrial machinery, such as crushers, conveyors, pumps, and heavy-duty vehicles.
• Develop detailed technical drawings, schematics, and specifications for fabrication, assembly, and maintenance.
• Conduct thorough engineering analyses, including stress, fatigue, and thermal calculations, to ensure structural integrity and operational reliability.
• Specify materials, components, and subsystems, considering factors such as durability, operating conditions, and cost-effectiveness.
• Provide technical support for the installation, commissioning, and ongoing operation of industrial equipment.
• Investigate equipment failures, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions and design improvements.
• Collaborate with site engineers and technicians to ensure adherence to design specifications and quality standards during manufacturing and repairs.
• Manage small to medium-sized engineering projects, including scope definition, budgeting, and timeline management.
• Ensure compliance with relevant industry codes, standards, and safety regulations for heavy machinery.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent practical experience.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in mechanical design and engineering, preferably within the mining, heavy manufacturing, or industrial equipment sector.
• Proficiency in using CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks) for creating and modifying engineering drawings.
• Experience with structural analysis and material selection for demanding applications.
• Strong understanding of mechanical systems, including hydraulics, pneumatics, power transmission, and structural mechanics.
• Ability to interpret and apply engineering standards and codes (e.g., SANS, ASME).
• Excellent diagnostic, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for collaborating with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Experience in project coordination and managing technical documentation.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to site locations within South Africa .

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive remuneration package, reflecting the responsibilities of the role and the candidate's experience.
• Excellent medical aid and retirement fund benefits are provided, ensuring comprehensive employee welfare.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development and upskilling are available through in-house training and external courses.
• The company promotes a robust safety culture and a professional working environment in Richards Bay .
• Generous paid time off is granted, including annual leave and public holidays.
• This position provides a substantial opportunity to contribute to critical industrial infrastructure and advance your career in a challenging yet rewarding sector.