Senior Mechanical Engineer - Mining Equipment R&D Leader

Placements24; South Africa; Remote; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based bonuses

International travel

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Mechanical Engineer for our client’s R&D center in Polokwane, Limpopo. You will lead heavy-machinery design, conduct advanced FEA/CFD analyses, and develop durable, efficient mining equipment parts for harsh environments.

You will mentor engineers, ensure manufacturability, and stay ahead of material science advances. A Master’s in Mechanical Engineering is required, PhD preferred, with 8+ years of relevant experience and travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• PhD is a plus.
• 8+ years in mechanical design and analysis for heavy machinery/mining equipment.
• Strong CAD/CAE proficiency (FEA/CFD) and industry-standard software.
• Deep knowledge of material science, metallurgy, tribology, and failure analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of mechanical components for underground and surface mining equipment.
• Perform FEA/CFD analyses to evaluate stress, thermal management, and fatigue.
• Create 3D models and manufacturing drawings using SolidWorks or CATIA.
• Collaborate with product, manufacturing, and field teams to ensure manufacturability.
• Conduct root cause analyses on failures and implement design changes.

Skills

FEA

CFD

CAD/CAE

Project leadership

Material science

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

PhD (preferred)

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

ANSYS

Abaqus

Job description

Placements24 seeks a Senior Mechanical Engineer for our client’s R&D center in Polokwane, Limpopo. You will lead heavy-machinery design, conduct advanced FEA/CFD analyses, and develop durable, efficient mining equipment parts for harsh environments.

You will mentor engineers, ensure manufacturability, and stay ahead of material science advances. A Master’s in Mechanical Engineering is required, PhD preferred, with 8+ years of relevant experience and travel as needed.