Senior Agricultural Engineer - Mechanization Specialist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Company vehicle for work-relatedTravel

Relocation assistance

Annual bonus

Comprehensive medical and retirement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Agricultural Engineer with a specialization in mechanization to lead design, development, and testing of advanced agricultural machinery in Polokwane, Limpopo. The role blends field engagement with remote design work, collaborating with agronomists, farm managers, and R&D teams to deliver practical, efficient mechanization solutions for local farming challenges.

The position emphasizes safety, environmental compliance, and innovative automation, with travel to

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Agricultural Engineering or Mechanical Engineering.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test new agricultural machinery and equipment.

Skills

Machinery design

Mechanization knowledge

Field trials

Hydraulics

Power transmission

Control systems

Project management

Communication

Education

Master's degree in Agricultural Engineering

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for a highly skilled Senior Agricultural Engineer with a specialization in mechanization to join their innovative team, based in **Polokwane, Limpopo**. This role will focus on the design, development, implementation, and optimization of agricultural machinery and systems to enhance farming efficiency, productivity, and sustainability. You will work on projects ranging from improving existing equipment to conceptualizing and testing new technologies for diverse agricultural applications. The ideal candidate will possess a strong engineering foundation, coupled with a deep understanding of farming operations and the specific challenges faced in the Limpopo region. This hybrid role requires regular engagement with field operations, research facilities, and remote design/analysis work. You will collaborate with agronomists, farm managers, and R&D teams to ensure that mechanization solutions are practical, efficient, and aligned with the needs of modern agriculture. Our client is committed to leveraging technology to drive agricultural advancement and requires a proactive engineer to lead these efforts. Your expertise in machinery design, operation, and maintenance will be critical in ensuring the success of our agricultural initiatives. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge agricultural engineering and make a tangible impact on farming practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test new agricultural machinery and equipment, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
• Evaluate and recommend improvements to existing farm machinery to enhance efficiency and reduce operational costs.
• Oversee the implementation and integration of new mechanization technologies on farms.
• Conduct field trials and performance analyses of agricultural equipment under various conditions.
• Develop technical specifications, drawings, and documentation for machinery and systems.
• Provide technical expertise and support to farm operations regarding machinery selection, operation, and maintenance.
• Collaborate with research teams on the development of innovative farming solutions and automation systems.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and environmental regulations related to agricultural machinery.
• Manage projects related to mechanization, from concept development to full-scale implementation.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in agricultural engineering, robotics, and automation.
• Troubleshoot and resolve engineering problems related to farm equipment.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in agricultural engineering, with a strong focus on machinery and mechanization.
• Proven experience in the design, development, and testing of agricultural equipment.
• In-depth knowledge of farm operations, crop production cycles, and relevant mechanization requirements.
• Proficiency in CAD software for design and simulation.
• Strong understanding of hydraulics, power transmission, and control systems relevant to agricultural machinery.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and project management skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across different teams.
• Experience working in hybrid environments and managing remote tasks.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to farm sites and testing facilities within Polokwane, Limpopo and surrounding areas.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package reflecting extensive engineering expertise.
• Annual bonus based on project success and performance.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Generous paid time off and annual leave.
• Opportunities for professional development, advanced training, and attending industry conferences.
• Access to advanced engineering tools, software, and testing facilities.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility.
• Company vehicle for work-related travel.
• A collaborative and innovative work environment focused on agricultural advancement.
• Relocation assistance for qualified candidates.