Principal, Design Office

AngloGold Ashanti plc; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

AngloGold Ashanti Limited seeks a Principal Design Office Lead to own the 3D models and engineering drawings for a portfolio of mining growth projects across multiple countries. You will ensure on-screen data matches on-site conditions, close information gaps and drive design verification to reduce rework, delays and project risk.

You will build the digital foundation for future mines, set modelling and data standards, and lead cross-discipline reviews with consultants and mine teams to ensure

Qualifications

• Diploma or recognised qualification in engineering draughting, drawing office practice or an engineering discipline (or accepted equivalent).
• At least 10 years in mining, mineral processing or heavy industry with 5+ years in 3D CAD modelling.
• Experience building BIM/digital twin models linking asset geometry with engineering data.
• Experience with parametric design tools and data-centric design environments using consistent asset identifiers.
• Proven experience checking quality of consultant-produced engineering deliverables.

Responsibilities

• Own the master register of 3D models, drawings, laser scans and engineering data for every mine in the portfolio.
• Assess accuracy and completeness of information, prioritise and close critical gaps.
• Verify drawings and models against laser scans, surveys and site conditions; resolve discrepancies with mine teams and engineers.
• Plan and coordinate laser scanning and site surveys; combine scan data with design models into master models.
• Lead clash detection and model reviews across civil, structural, mechanical, piping, process and instrumentation.
• Support safe, practical and cost-effective designs through constructability, access, maintenance and tie-in reviews on operating sites.
• Set CAD, modelling, data and handover standards for consultants and contractors.
• Check consultant drawings, models and data for quality; raise non-conformances and confirm fixes before accepting deliverables.
• Keep master records controlled and update; manage as-built handover to operations and asset management teams.
• Coach draughting and document control staff; collaborate with digital technology teams on software and tools.

Skills

Detail orientation

Spatial reasoning

Clear communication

Collaborative approach

Site health, safety and environmental

Education

Engineering draughting diploma / drawing office qualification

Tools

AutoCAD

MicroStation

Navisworks

Leica Cyclone

Faro Scene

Job description

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Every major project decision depends on accurate engineering information. As our Principal Design Office Lead, you will own the 3D models and engineering drawings for a portfolio of mining growth projects across multiple countries. You will make sure our teams can trust what is on screen matches what is on site. By closing information gaps, verifying designs and holding consultants to high standards, you will help cut rework, avoid delays and reduce project risk. This is a chance to build the digital foundation that our future mines will be designed, built and run on.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the master register of 3D models, drawings, laser scans and engineering data for every mine in the portfolio.
• Assess the accuracy and completeness of existing information, and prioritise and close the most critical gaps.
• Verify drawings and models against laser scans, surveys and real site conditions, resolving discrepancies with mine teams and engineers.
• Plan and coordinate laser scanning and site surveys, and combine scan data with design models into coordinated master models.
• Lead clash detection and model reviews across civil, structural, mechanical, piping, process and instrumentation disciplines.
• Support safe, practical and cost-effective designs through constructability, access, maintenance and tie-in reviews on operating sites.
• Set the CAD, modelling, data and handover standards that consultants and contractors must follow.
• Check consultant drawings, models and data for quality, raise non-conformances and confirm fixes before accepting deliverables.
• Keep master records controlled and up to date, and manage as-built handover to operations and asset management teams.
• Coach draughting and document control staff, and partner with digital technology teams on software and tools.

Required Qualifications

• Diploma or recognised qualification in engineering draughting, drawing office practice or an engineering discipline (or accepted equivalent).
• At least 10 years of experience in mining, mineral processing or heavy industry, including at least 5 years in 3D CAD modelling.
• Experience building Building Information Modelling (BIM) or digital twin models that link asset geometry with engineering data.
• Experience with parametric design tools and data‑centric design environments using consistent asset identifiers.
• Proven experience checking the quality of consultant‑produced engineering deliverables.
• Advanced skills in CAD, model review and point‑cloud software, such as AutoCAD, MicroStation, Navisworks, Leica Cyclone or Faro Scene.

Preferred Experience

• Experience on the owner’s side of projects, overseeing engineering consultants and contractors.
• Experience on brownfields capital projects (upgrades and expansions at operating sites).
• Experience working in multinational teams.

Skills and Competencies

• Exceptional attention to detail and strong spatial reasoning.
• Sound judgement and the ability to prioritise logically.
• Clear communication and the ability to influence across mines, disciplines and cultures.
• A collaborative approach, knowing when to refer design decisions to responsible engineers.
• Working knowledge of site health, safety and environmental requirements.

Work Environment and Expectations

• Corporate office-based role within the owner’s project team, supporting mines in multiple countries.
• Travel to mine sites across the portfolio as required, following strict site safety rules.
• Close work with engineering firms, mine operations, engineers, surveyors, document controllers and contractors.
• A culture built on our values: Safety, Respect, Integrity, Sustainability, Excellence and Collaboration.

AngloGold Ashanti is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of gender, race, religion, nationality, or disability.

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