Senior Agricultural Engineer

Placements24; Benoni; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Performance bonuses

Leadership training

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Agricultural Engineer for a forward-thinking agricultural technology company based in Benoni, Gauteng. The role focuses on designing and implementing innovative machinery, irrigation, and environmental control systems to boost efficiency and sustainability on farms.

You will lead multi-disciplinary projects, manage timelines and budgets, and collaborate with R&D, agronomists, and farm managers to translate scientific needs into practical engineering solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Agricultural, Mechanical, Electrical or closely related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in agricultural engineering, with a focus on design and development.
• Proficiency in CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks) and relevant simulation tools.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test new agricultural machinery and equipment.
• Engineer efficient irrigation and water management systems.
• Oversee installation and maintenance of farm infrastructure and environmental control systems.
• Lead engineering projects from concept through to implementation, managing timelines and budgets.
• Ensure safety, environmental regulations and industry best practices are followed.
• Mentor junior engineers and collaborate with R&D, production and field ops.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Agricultural/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking agricultural technology company operating in Benoni, Gauteng , is seeking a highly experienced Senior Agricultural Engineer. This critical role involves the design, development, and implementation of innovative engineering solutions for agricultural applications. You will be responsible for leading projects related to machinery, irrigation systems, structures, and environmental control technologies aimed at improving efficiency, sustainability, and productivity in farming. The ideal candidate possesses a strong foundation in mechanical, electrical, or civil engineering principles as applied to agriculture, coupled with extensive project management experience. You will collaborate closely with research and development teams, agronomists, and farm managers to translate scientific needs into practical engineering solutions. This is a hands-on role requiring both technical expertise and strong problem-solving abilities in a dynamic agricultural setting. Your contributions will be vital in shaping the technological advancement of the agricultural sector in Gauteng and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test new agricultural machinery and equipment.
• Engineer efficient and sustainable irrigation and water management systems.
• Oversee the installation and maintenance of farm infrastructure and environmental control systems.
• Analyze agricultural processes to identify areas for technological improvement.
• Lead engineering projects from concept through to implementation, managing timelines and budgets.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards, environmental regulations, and industry best practices.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including R&D, production, and field operations.
• Troubleshoot and resolve engineering issues that arise in agricultural operations.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and trends in agricultural engineering.
• Prepare technical specifications, reports, and documentation for engineering projects.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in agricultural engineering, with a strong focus on design and development.
• Proven expertise in machinery design, irrigation technology, automation, or renewable energy applications in agriculture.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks) and relevant simulation tools.
• Strong project management skills, including planning, execution, and risk assessment.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective communication and leadership skills, with the ability to mentor junior engineers.
• Experience with field testing and validation of agricultural systems.
• Understanding of agricultural practices and the challenges faced by farmers.
• Registered Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) or eligibility for registration is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, and performance bonuses.
• This role provides significant opportunities for professional growth and development, including leadership training and exposure to cutting-edge agricultural technology.
• The position is based in Benoni, Gauteng , offering a dynamic work environment.
• Employees are part of an innovative team committed to advancing agricultural practices.
• Paid time off and wellness programs are included.