Senior Mechanical Design Engineer (Mining Equipment)

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 1,100,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Performance‑based incentives

Professional development support

Internal training programs

Opportunities for advancement

Job summary

Placements24 is sourcing a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer for a prominent mining equipment manufacturer in Richards Bay, KwaZulu‑Natal. The role emphasizes robust mechanical design, advanced CAD and FEA, and hands‑on development of mining machinery components that endure harsh environments.

The successful candidate will lead complex design projects, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to deliver safe, reliable equipment that meets stringent industry standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• 7+ years of mechanical design experience, preferably within the heavy equipment or mining machinery sector.
• Proficiency in CAD software SolidWorks and Inventor and FEA tools ANSYS or NASTRAN.
• Strong understanding of hydraulics, pneumatics, material science, and failure analysis.
• Experience with complex mechanical assemblies, gearboxes, and powertrain systems.
• Knowledge of fabrication processes such as welding, machining, and casting.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and refine mechanical components and systems for large‑scale mining machinery.
• Perform detailed stress analysis, fatigue analysis, and thermal analysis using FEA software to ensure design robustness.
• Create comprehensive engineering drawings, schematics, and 3D models using industry‑standard CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor).
• Collaborate with project managers, manufacturing engineers, and field service teams to ensure designs are manufacturable, maintainable, and meet operational requirements.
• Specify materials and manufacturing processes appropriate for harsh operating conditions.
• Oversee prototype fabrication and conduct rigorous testing and validation to verify design performance.
• Investigate and resolve design‑related issues encountered during production or in the field.
• Ensure compliance with relevant safety standards, environmental regulations, and industry best practices for mining equipment.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of product design and engineering processes.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance on design projects.

Skills

CAD proficiency

FEA analysis

Structural mechanics

Hydraulics

Pneumatics

Materials science

Failure analysis

Gearboxes & powertrain

Team collaboration

Project management

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

ANSYS

NASTRAN

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent global manufacturer of heavy‑duty mining equipment, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to contribute to their expanding operations in Richards Bay, KwaZulu‑Natal . This role is critical for the design and enhancement of robust mechanical systems and components used in demanding mining environments. You will leverage your extensive engineering knowledge to develop innovative and reliable equipment solutions that meet the rigorous standards of the mining industry. The successful candidate will possess a deep understanding of structural mechanics, hydraulics, and materials science, coupled with a proven ability to manage complex design projects. This is an excellent opportunity to join a respected industry leader and play a key role in developing equipment that supports essential global resources extraction. We are looking for a hands‑on engineer with a passion for practical, high-performance mechanical design.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and refine mechanical components and systems for large‑scale mining machinery.
• Perform detailed stress analysis, fatigue analysis, and thermal analysis using FEA software to ensure design robustness.
• Create comprehensive engineering drawings, schematics, and 3D models using industry‑standard CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor).
• Collaborate with project managers, manufacturing engineers, and field service teams to ensure designs are manufacturable, maintainable, and meet operational requirements.
• Specify materials and manufacturing processes appropriate for harsh operating conditions.
• Oversee prototype fabrication and conduct rigorous testing and validation to verify design performance.
• Investigate and resolve design‑related issues encountered during production or in the field.
• Ensure compliance with relevant safety standards, environmental regulations, and industry best practices for mining equipment.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of product design and engineering processes.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance on design projects.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in mechanical design, preferably within the heavy equipment or mining machinery sector.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor) and FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS, NASTRAN).
• Strong understanding of hydraulics, pneumatics, material science, and failure analysis.
• Experience with complex mechanical assemblies, gearboxes, and powertrain systems.
• Knowledge of fabrication processes such as welding, machining, and casting.
• Excellent problem‑solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and manage project timelines.
• Familiarity with mining operations and associated equipment requirements is a plus.
• Commitment to safety and quality in design.

Benefits

• Our client provides a competitive salary, comprehensive medical aid, retirement fund contributions, and performance‑based incentives.
• Opportunities for professional development are available through internal training programs, workshops, and support for external certifications.
• The company offers a stable and rewarding career path within a respected industry leader.
• Employees benefit from a positive work environment and the chance to work on challenging and impactful projects in Richards Bay, KwaZulu‑Natal.
• Paid annual leave and other statutory benefits are provided.
• Opportunities for advancement within the engineering department are available for high performers.
• Our client is dedicated to the professional growth and well‑being of its employees.