Principal Mechanical Engineer - Process Equipment

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

Benefits offered by this job

Executive medical aid

Life insurance

Pension fund

International travel opportunities

Executive development programs

Long-term incentive plans

Relocation package

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer based in Rustenburg to lead the mechanical design of critical process equipment. You will guide the technical strategy, mentor engineers, and ensure design integrity and regulatory compliance in mining and chemical sectors.

With 12–15 years in heavy industry and strong ASME/API/PED experience, you will oversee materials selection, perform advanced FEA analyses, and collaborate with project teams to deliver safe, reliable facilities.

Qualifications

• 12–15 years of mechanical engineering experience in heavy industries.
• Experience with ASME codes (Section I, VIII) and API/PED.
• Pr.Eng registration with ECSA is mandatory.
• FEA stress analysis and material science expertise.
• Leadership of technical teams and project delivery.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership for design of process equipment.
• Develop design standards and specs.
• Perform advanced stress and fatigue analysis.
• Oversee materials selection and compliance.
• Review drawings and reports for quality.
• Mentor engineers and drive strategic technical decisions.
• Collaborate with management, operations, and maintenance.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project management

Analytical skills

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Master’s or PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

ANSYS

Abaqus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the process industries, is seeking a highly distinguished Principal Mechanical Engineer with extensive expertise in process equipment design. Based in Rustenburg, North West , this senior role will serve as the technical authority for mechanical design related to critical process infrastructure. You will be responsible for the conceptualization, design integrity, and lifecycle management of complex equipment such as pressure vessels, heat exchangers, pumps, and piping systems. This position requires a deep understanding of material science, stress analysis, regulatory compliance, and project execution in a demanding industrial setting. As a Principal Engineer, you will mentor other engineers, contribute to strategic technical decisions, and ensure the highest standards of safety and performance. Join a company dedicated to innovation and operational excellence in the mining and chemical sectors.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical leadership and guidance on the mechanical design of process equipment, including pressure vessels, reactors, columns, heat exchangers, and rotating machinery.
• Develop and implement design standards, specifications, and best practices for process equipment.
• Conduct advanced stress analysis, fatigue analysis, and fitness-for-service assessments using FEA tools.
• Oversee the selection of materials of construction, ensuring compatibility with process fluids and operating conditions.
• Ensure compliance with international codes and standards such as ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, API, PED, and relevant South African national standards.
• Review and approve mechanical design documentation, including drawings, calculations, and technical reports, prepared by internal and external teams.
• Lead root cause analysis investigations for equipment failures and develop corrective action plans.
• Collaborate closely with project management, operations, and maintenance teams to ensure successful project delivery and plant reliability.
• Mentor and develop junior and mid-level mechanical engineers, fostering their technical growth and problem-solving capabilities.
• Contribute to technology roadmaps and strategic initiatives for process equipment innovation and optimization.

Requirements

• Master's or Doctoral degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• A minimum of 12-15 years of experience in mechanical engineering, with a strong focus on the design and integrity of process equipment in heavy industries (e.g., mining, chemical, petrochemical, oil & gas).
• Extensive experience with ASME codes (Sections I, VIII, B31.3) and other relevant international design codes.
• Proven expertise in advanced stress analysis using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus).
• Deep understanding of material science, metallurgy, welding procedures, and non-destructive testing (NDT) methods.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams and influence decision-making.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng) registration with ECSA is mandatory.
• Experience with process simulation software is a plus.

Benefits

• Highly competitive executive-level salary and bonus structure.
• Comprehensive executive medical aid, life insurance, and pension fund.
• Significant opportunities for international travel and professional engagement.
• Executive development programs and leadership training.
• Potential for equity participation or long-term incentive plans.
• Relocation package for candidates relocating to Rustenburg .
• Access to cutting-edge technology and challenging global projects.