Senior Mechanical Engineer

Red Ember Recruitment (PTY) Ltd; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 450,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Red Ember Recruitment (PTY) Ltd seeks a Senior Mechanical Engineer to drive hydro mining projects, pump and pipeline design, and innovative engineering solutions. You will lead project planning, coordinate external consultants, and advance NXTGEN-like initiatives across the group.

The role requires 5–10 years in mechanical engineering with strong pump/pipeline experience, project management capabilities, and a strategic mindset to align engineering with business goals.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of relevant industry experience.
• At least 5 years of experience in pump and pipeline design.
• Strong knowledge of pumping and piping systems.
• Experience with tailings management is an advantage.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead concept studies for slurry and high-pressure water systems.
• Manage specialist consultants through study stages to execution.
• Review existing pump/pipeline systems and identify bottlenecks.

Skills

Project management

Time management

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Organisational skills

Teamwork

Strategic thinking

Education

BSc with Honours in Engineering or BEng in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Red Ember Recruitment is recruiting for a Senior Mechanical Engineering role focused on hydro mining solutions, pump and pipeline design, and technological innovation. The successful candidate will drive engineering projects, improve operational processes, provide technical and analytical support across the Group, and facilitate the integration of new technologies in line with the company’s strategic objectives.

Key Performance Areas and Tasks

Pump and Pipeline System Designs and Reviews

• Lead and develop concept studies for slurry and high-pressure water systems in support of global hydro mining projects, in collaboration with team members.
• Manage specialist consultants in developing these systems through the study stages and into execution.
• Review existing pump and pipeline systems to identify bottlenecks and recommend improvements and optimisation opportunities.

Hydro Mining

• Rapidly acquire new skills to support the company’s hydro mining services through engagement with internal specialists, external experts, and ongoing research.
• Develop expertise and progress towards becoming an industry leader in hydro mining.

Project Management

• Lead the planning, execution, monitoring, controlling, and closing of assigned strategic projects, including projects beyond hydro mining.
• Manage the overall project scope, project team, resources, budgets, and successful delivery of projects.
• Coordinate and manage external consultants, suppliers, and developers throughout project execution.

NXTGEN Reporting

• Develop and implement business models and business plans for NXTGEN initiatives.
• Prepare detailed progress reports on assigned strategic projects.
• Communicate project-specific information to EXCO and relevant stakeholders.
• Promote awareness of NXTGEN initiatives across the business.
• Drive marketing initiatives related to NXTGEN projects.

Risk Identification and Management

• Identify risks associated with NXTGEN initiatives and develop solutions to eliminate or mitigate them through engineering.
• Transform challenges and risks into strengths that create unique selling opportunities for NXTGEN solutions.
• Identify relevant controls and mitigation measures, and evaluate the effectiveness of the business’s control environment.
• Liaise continuously with mineral processing and tailings technical and operational teams to implement new work practices.

Innovative Engineering Solutions

• Monitor industry trends, initiatives, and emerging business opportunities.
• Lead and manage research projects, including academic and other research initiatives.
• Investigate, identify, research, develop, and operationalise new equipment solutions.
• Investigate, define, and operationalise new tailings deposition and placement solutions.
• Investigate and develop new reclamation solutions, including pumping and piping systems, and operationalise these solutions through concept mechanical designs.
• Develop risk management solutions using industry best practices and tools.
• Market innovative engineering solutions to relevant stakeholders and customers.
• Conduct commercial negotiations and formalise innovative solutions with service providers, suppliers, consultants, and other relevant parties.

Requirements / Qualifications

• BSc with Honours in Engineering or BEng in Mechanical Engineering.
• Project management experience will be an advantage.
• Experience 5–10 years of relevant industry experience.
• At least 5 years of experience in pump and pipeline design.
• Excellent working knowledge of technical solutions, particularly in pumping and piping systems.
• Experience in tailings management will be an advantage.
• Strong project management skills.
• Excellent time management skills, with the ability to multitask and prioritise workloads effectively.
• An innovative approach to developing new engineering solutions.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organisational and planning abilities.
• Flexibility, effective teamwork, and strong interpersonal skills.
• Strategic thinking and the ability to align engineering solutions with business objectives.