Principal Mechanical Engineer - Mining Equipment

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive-level compensation

Executive health insurance

Stock options or equity participation

Professional development budget

Flexible working arrangements

Remote work options

High-performance computing resources

Retirement savings plan

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Mechanical Engineer to direct the technical direction for advanced mining equipment. This remote-lead role requires mentoring engineers, solving high-level mechanical challenges, and guiding R&D initiatives with occasional visits to Rustenburg, North West.

You will shape specifications, drive innovations, and ensure engineering integrity across projects. The ideal candidate has 15+ years in heavy machinery design, expertise in ANSYS/ABAQUS, and a track record of

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field.
• Minimum of 15 years in mechanical engineering design, heavy machinery, mining preferred.
• Proven expertise with ANSYS/ABAQUS and CAD environments.
• Deep knowledge of structural mechanics, hydraulics, power transmission, materials science.
• Experience leading long-term engineering projects and driving innovation.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and mentoring skills.
• Publications or patents are advantageous.
• Ability to work remotely and travel occasionally to Rustenburg, North West.

Responsibilities

• Lead conceptualization and design of complex mechanical systems for large-scale mining equipment.
• Perform fatigue, fracture mechanics, and multi-body dynamics analyses for reliability and safety.
• Develop innovative design solutions for challenging environments.
• Set technical specs and performance requirements for new development.
• Provide expert guidance and mentorship across multiple projects.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and materials for potential use.
• Collaborate with R&D, product management, and manufacturing for launches.
• Champion best practices in mechanical design and documentation.

Skills

Engineering leadership

Fatigue analysis

Fracture mechanics

Multibody dynamics

Remote collaboration

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

ANSYS

ABAQUS

CAD (CAD software)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in the design and manufacture of specialized mining equipment, is seeking a highly experienced and visionary Principal Mechanical Engineer to join their esteemed technical division. This senior role, based remotely with potential occasional visits to Rustenburg, North West , is critical for driving innovation and setting the technical direction for their advanced product lines. You will be responsible for tackling the most complex mechanical challenges, spearheading R&D initiatives, and ensuring the highest standards of engineering integrity. This position requires an individual with exceptional analytical skills, a deep understanding of the mining industry's unique demands, and the ability to mentor and influence other engineers. If you are an accomplished mechanical engineer looking for a role with significant impact and the opportunity to define the future of mining technology, this opportunity is for you.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization and design of highly complex mechanical systems for large-scale mining equipment.
• Conduct advanced engineering analyses, including fatigue, fracture mechanics, and multi-body dynamics, to ensure system reliability and safety under extreme conditions.
• Develop and implement innovative design solutions to overcome challenging operational environments.
• Define technical specifications and performance requirements for new equipment development.
• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to engineering teams across multiple projects.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and materials for potential application in mining equipment.
• Collaborate with R&D, product management, and manufacturing to ensure successful product launches.
• Champion best practices in mechanical design, documentation, and knowledge sharing.
• Represent the company in technical forums and engage with key industry stakeholders.
• Perform failure analysis on existing equipment and develop robust design improvements.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in mechanical engineering design, with a strong specialization in heavy machinery, preferably within the mining sector.
• Proven expertise in advanced engineering analysis tools (e.g., ANSYS, ABAQUS) and complex CAD environments.
• Deep understanding of structural mechanics, hydraulics, power transmission, and material science in demanding environments.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex, long-term engineering projects and drive innovation.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills and a strategic approach to technical challenges.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience mentoring and guiding engineering staff is essential.
• Published research or patents in relevant fields are highly advantageous.
• Ability to work effectively in a remote capacity and travel occasionally to Rustenburg, North West .

Benefits

• Executive-level salary and bonus structure.
• Comprehensive executive health insurance and long-term disability coverage.
• Significant stock options or equity participation.
• Generous professional development budget for conferences and advanced training.
• Flexible working arrangements and remote work options.
• Company-provided high-performance computing resources.
• Executive retirement savings plan.