Senior Mechanical Engineer - Heavy Mining Equipment

Placements24; Polokwane; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Senior Mechanical Engineer for a prominent mining operation in Polokwane, Limpopo. This on-site role focuses on maintenance, repair, and optimization of heavy mining equipment, including excavators, trucks and loaders, to ensure reliability and efficiency.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, 7+ years in heavy mobile equipment within mining or construction, expertise in hydraulics, powertrains and diesel engines, and proficiency with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• 7+ years of experience with heavy mobile equipment in mining or construction.
• Expertise in hydraulics, powertrains and diesel engines used in mining equipment.
• Proficiency with diagnostic tools and CMMS.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and leadership abilities.
• Pr.Eng registration is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Oversee maintenance, repair and overhaul of heavy mining equipment.
• Develop and implement preventative and predictive maintenance programs.
• Troubleshoot and diagnose mechanical failures; provide timely solutions.
• Manage spare parts inventory and maintenance costs.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental standards and company policies.
• Analyze equipment performance data to identify improvements.
• Supervise and mentor a team of mechanical fitters and technicians.
• Collaborate with procurement and operations to ensure timely parts.
• Stay updated on technologies and best practices in heavy equipment maintenance.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Troubleshooting

Team mentoring

Maintenance planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng) registration (advantage)

Tools

CMMS

Diagnostic tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent mining operation, is actively seeking an experienced Senior Mechanical Engineer to join their team in Polokwane, Limpopo. This is an on-site role, focusing on the maintenance, repair, and optimization of heavy mining equipment. You will be responsible for ensuring the reliability and efficiency of a diverse fleet of machinery, including excavators, trucks, and loaders. Your expertise will be critical in troubleshooting complex mechanical issues, developing preventative maintenance strategies, and improving equipment performance. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in heavy mechanical engineering, a deep understanding of mining equipment, and a commitment to operational excellence within the demanding environment of Polokwane, Limpopo.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of heavy mining equipment, including hydraulic and mechanical systems.
• Develop and implement comprehensive preventative and predictive maintenance programs.
• Troubleshoot and diagnose complex mechanical failures, providing timely and effective solutions.
• Manage spare parts inventory and control maintenance costs effectively.
• Ensure all maintenance activities comply with safety regulations, environmental standards, and company policies.
• Analyze equipment performance data to identify areas for improvement and optimize operational efficiency.
• Supervise and mentor a team of mechanical fitters and technicians.
• Collaborate with procurement and operations teams to ensure timely acquisition of parts and services.
• Stay updated on the latest technologies and best practices in heavy equipment maintenance.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in mechanical engineering, with a substantial focus on heavy mobile equipment in the mining or construction industry.
• In-depth knowledge of hydraulics, powertrains, and diesel engines common in mining equipment (e.g., Caterpillar, Komatsu).
• Proficiency in using diagnostic tools and maintenance management software (CMMS).
• Strong understanding of mechanical principles and engineering best practices.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a demanding operational environment.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng) registration is an advantage.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical aid, a provident fund, and performance bonuses.
• Employees have access to ongoing training and development opportunities to enhance their skills and career progression.
• This role is based at our operational site near Polokwane, Limpopo.
• We are committed to creating a safe, efficient, and rewarding work environment for our team.