Senior Mechanical Project Engineer - Mining Equipment

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based bonuses

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Company vehicle and fuel allowance

Leave allowance

Access to engineering facilities

Career progression

Job summary

Placements24 in South Africa is seeking a Senior Mechanical Project Engineer to lead the design, development, and implementation of mechanical systems for large-scale mining equipment in Rustenburg, North West. You will manage complex projects from conception through commissioning, collaborating with manufacturing, R&D, and field service teams to deliver robust, safe, and efficient equipment.

The ideal candidate holds a BEng/BSc in Mechanical Engineering with 8+ years of experience, strong

Qualifications

• BEng/BSc in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• 8+ years of mechanical engineering experience with heavy industry or mining equipment.
• Proven project management in complex engineering programs.
• CAD and simulation expertise (SolidWorks/Inventor/AutoCAD; FEA).
• Knowledge of hydraulics, pneumatics, electromechanical systems.
• Strong leadership, communication, and collaboration with cross-functional teams.
• Experience with mining operations is advantageous.
• Commitment to safety and quality in engineering work.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage multiple mechanical engineering projects from concept to commissioning.
• Develop detailed designs, specs, and documentation for mining machinery.
• Perform stress, fatigue, and thermal analyses for reliability.
• Collaborate with manufacturing to optimize production.
• Oversee testing and validation of prototypes and equipment.
• Provide guidance to junior engineers and technicians.
• Liaise with clients and stakeholders on progress and requirements.
• Ensure compliance with mining industry standards, safety and environmental regs.
• Identify design improvements to enhance performance and reduce costs.

Skills

Project management

Mechanical engineering

Leadership

Problem-solving

Engineering analysis

Education

BEng/BSc in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

AutoCAD

FEA software

CAD/CAE tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading manufacturer of heavy-duty mining machinery, is looking for a highly motivated and experienced Senior Mechanical Project Engineer to join their operational team in Rustenburg, North West. This role is crucial for overseeing the design, development, and implementation of innovative mechanical systems for large-scale mining equipment. You will be at the forefront of engineering projects, ensuring efficiency, safety, and durability in demanding operational environments. This is a hands-on position requiring strong technical expertise and excellent project management skills. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, challenging setting, contributing to the continuous improvement of our client's world-class mining solutions. We are seeking an individual who is passionate about mechanical engineering within the mining sector and possesses a deep understanding of the unique challenges and requirements of this industry. The role demands close collaboration with manufacturing, R&D, and field service teams to deliver robust and reliable equipment that meets the rigorous demands of modern mining operations. Located in the heart of South Africa's mining region, Rustenburg, North West, this position offers unparalleled opportunities for professional growth and impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage multiple mechanical engineering projects from conception through to commissioning, ensuring adherence to scope, budget, and timelines.
• Develop detailed engineering designs, specifications, and technical documentation for complex mining machinery components and systems.
• Conduct rigorous engineering analyses, including stress, fatigue, and thermal analysis, to ensure the integrity and performance of equipment under extreme conditions.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure designs are optimized for efficient and cost-effective production.
• Oversee the testing and validation of prototypes and production equipment, troubleshooting any issues and implementing effective solutions.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and technicians within the project team.
• Liaise with clients and stakeholders to understand requirements and provide technical updates on project progress.
• Ensure all designs and projects comply with relevant industry standards, safety regulations, and environmental requirements specific to the mining sector.
• Identify opportunities for design improvements and technological advancements to enhance equipment performance and reduce operational costs.

Requirements

• BEng/BSc in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent qualification.
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in mechanical engineering, with a strong emphasis on project management within the heavy industrial or mining equipment sector.
• Proven experience in managing complex engineering projects, including planning, execution, and close-out.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor, AutoCAD) and simulation tools (FEA).
• In-depth knowledge of material selection, fabrication processes, and failure analysis for high-stress applications.
• Strong understanding of hydraulics, pneumatics, and electromechanical systems as applied to heavy machinery.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage diverse project teams.
• Experience working directly within or closely with mining operations is highly advantageous.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Commitment to safety and quality in all aspects of engineering work.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary of R.
• Performance-based bonuses and incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Opportunities for advanced training and professional certifications.
• Company vehicle and fuel allowance for site visits.
• Generous leave allowance, including annual, sick, and family leave.
• Access to state-of-the-art engineering facilities and resources.
• A dynamic and challenging work environment with significant impact potential.
• Career progression opportunities within a leading global organization.