Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Mining Equipment

Placements24; Noord-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Retirement plan

Performance bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer in Kimberley, Northern Cape. You will lead the design of heavy mining equipment, develop 3D models and drawings, and perform advanced analyses to ensure safety and reliability.

The role requires 7-10 years in mechanical design for heavy machinery, strong CAD/FEA skills, and collaboration with R&D, manufacturing, and testing teams. Excellent problem-solving and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• 7-10 years of progressive mechanical design experience in heavy machinery/mining equipment.
• Expertise in 3D CAD and FEA tools.
• Strong understanding of materials, GD&T, and manufacturing processes.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead design of mechanical components and systems from concept to production.
• Create detailed 3D models and 2D drawings using SolidWorks, CATIA, or AutoCAD.
• Perform stress, fatigue, and FEA analyses.
• Select materials, define tolerances, and specify manufacturing processes.
• Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, and testing teams.
• Conduct design reviews and mentor junior engineers.
• Troubleshoot design issues during production and field tests.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and safety regulations.
• Document designs with reports and BOMs.

Education

Mechanical Engineering degree

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

AutoCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent manufacturer of specialized mining equipment, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join their esteemed engineering department in Kimberley. This role is central to the innovation and development of cutting-edge machinery designed for the demanding mining sector. The ideal candidate will possess a robust background in mechanical engineering design, proficiency in CAD software, and a deep understanding of materials and stress analysis relevant to heavy industrial equipment. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to technological advancements in the Northern Cape's vital mining industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of new mechanical components and systems for mining equipment, from concept to production.
• Create detailed 3D models and 2D drawings using advanced CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, AutoCAD).
• Perform stress analysis, fatigue analysis, and other FEA (Finite Element Analysis) to ensure design integrity and performance.
• Specify materials, tolerances, and manufacturing processes for components.
• Collaborate closely with R&D, manufacturing, and testing teams to ensure designs are feasible and meet project requirements.
• Conduct design reviews and provide technical guidance to junior engineers.
• Troubleshoot design-related issues encountered during manufacturing or field testing.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant industry standards and safety regulations.
• Research and evaluate new technologies and materials to enhance product performance.
• Prepare technical documentation, including design reports and Bills of Materials (BOMs).

Requirements

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in mechanical design engineering, with a focus on heavy machinery or mining equipment.
• Expertise in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks preferred) and FEA tools.
• Strong understanding of mechanical principles, including kinematics, dynamics, thermodynamics, and materials science.
• Proven experience in component selection, GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing), and manufacturing processes.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment in Kimberley.
• Project management experience is a plus.
• Knowledge of the South African mining sector and its specific equipment needs is highly advantageous.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive medical and retirement benefits, and performance-based bonuses. The role provides significant opportunities for professional development, training, and career advancement within a leading engineering firm. Employees benefit from working on challenging and innovative projects at the forefront of mining technology. The company offers a dynamic work environment and support for continuous learning in Kimberley.