Senior Agricultural Engineer

Placements24; Polokwane; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Performance incentives

Career development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Agricultural Engineer to lead the design, development and implementation of advanced agricultural machinery, irrigation systems and farm infrastructure in Polokwane, Limpopo, South Africa.

The role requires hands-on project execution from concept to completion, strong CAD skills (AutoCAD, SolidWorks), and a deep understanding of agricultural practices. Travel to farm sites and manufacturing facilities is expected, with a Pr.Eng an advantage.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in agricultural engineering focusing on machinery, irrigation or farm infrastructure.
• Proven experience designing and developing agricultural equipment or systems.
• Solid understanding of agricultural practices, crop production, and farm management.
• Proficiency in CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks) and other design tools.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and project management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, and ability to present technical information.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test new agricultural machinery, equipment, and systems.
• Optimize existing agricultural technologies to improve performance, efficiency, and safety.
• Engineer and manage implementation of advanced irrigation systems (drip, sprinkler, automated).
• Oversee design and construction of farm infrastructure (storage, processing units, housing).
• Conduct feasibility studies and provide technical recommendations for projects.
• Ensure compliance with engineering standards, safety regulations and environmental guidelines.
• Collaborate with agronomists, farmers and stakeholders to capture needs.
• Prepare detailed technical specifications, drawings and reports.
• Troubleshoot mechanical and operational issues with equipment and systems.
• Manage project timelines, budgets and resources.

Skills

CAD software

Project management

Analytical thinking

Communication

Travel readiness

Pr.Eng advantage

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Education

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

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in agricultural innovation and mechanization, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Agricultural Engineer to join their team in Polokwane, Limpopo, ZA . This role is focused on the design, development, and implementation of agricultural machinery, irrigation systems, and farm infrastructure. The ideal candidate will possess a strong engineering background coupled with a deep understanding of agricultural processes and challenges. You will play a key role in enhancing the efficiency, sustainability, and productivity of farming operations through advanced engineering solutions. This position requires hands-on involvement in projects, from conceptualization to execution, ensuring that our client's technological advancements meet the needs of the agricultural sector. Your expertise will be crucial in driving innovation and improving farming techniques.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test new agricultural machinery, equipment, and systems.
• Optimize existing agricultural technologies to improve performance, efficiency, and safety.
• Engineer and manage the implementation of advanced irrigation systems, including drip, sprinkler, and automated systems.
• Oversee the design and construction of farm infrastructure, such as storage facilities, processing units, and animal housing.
• Conduct feasibility studies and provide technical recommendations for agricultural projects.
• Ensure all designs and implementations comply with relevant engineering standards, safety regulations, and environmental guidelines.
• Collaborate with agronomists, farmers, and other stakeholders to understand their needs and provide engineering solutions.
• Prepare detailed technical specifications, drawings, and reports for engineering projects.
• Troubleshoot mechanical and operational issues with agricultural equipment and systems.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources effectively.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in agricultural engineering, with a strong focus on machinery, irrigation, or farm infrastructure.
• Proven experience in designing and developing agricultural equipment or systems.
• Solid understanding of agricultural practices, crop production, and farm management.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks) and other engineering design tools.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical information effectively.
• Knowledge of South African agricultural industry and relevant regulations.
• Willingness to travel to various farm sites and manufacturing facilities.
• Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng) registration is a significant advantage.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement contributions, and performance incentives.
• You will have the opportunity to work on innovative projects that shape the future of agriculture and contribute to sustainable farming practices.
• Professional development and continuous learning are strongly encouraged, providing ample opportunities for career growth.
• Join a leading engineering firm that is dedicated to advancing the agricultural sector, based in Polokwane, Limpopo, ZA .