Principal Mechanical Engineer - Remote Mining Equipment & Equity

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

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