Mechanical Design Engineer

SUMMARY:
We are recruiting on behalf of a globally recognised manufacturer of underground mobile mining equipment, with a strong and growing presence in the South African hard rock mining sector. This is a senior individual contributor and team leadership role within a multi-disciplinary mechanical design engineering team. The successful candidate will lead the design and development of complex mechanical systems for underground mining machines — from concept through to production release and field support — while mentoring junior engineers and driving continuous improvement across the team.

POSITION INFO:
Duties & Responsibilities Lead the design of complex mechanical systems for underground mobile mining equipment using SolidWorks or Autodesk - including 3D layouts, detailed drawings, assemblies, and technical renderings Simulate and validate mechanical systems using tools such as SolidWorks Simulation, ANSYS, MATLAB, or Nastran to optimise performance, reliability, and safety Drive the full product development lifecycle: problem definition, concept development, component selection, detailed design, prototyping, validation, and production release Lead design reviews and cross-functional engineering reviews, providing structured input for continuous improvement Define testing criteria and validation methods in accordance with relevant industry standards Select appropriate components and materials, optimising designs for performance, cost, and manufacturability Read, interpret, and modify hydraulic and pneumatic schematics as part of system integration work Prepare comprehensive technical documentation including engineering calculations, FEA reports, CFD reports, and engineering change notices (ECNs) Provide ongoing technical support to the production and assembly team during capital equipment builds Support aftermarket, field commissioning, and customer troubleshooting activities at mine or distributor sites as required Guide regulatory compliance across mechanical system design, ensuring adherence to applicable global standards Mentor and develop junior engineers and designers, ensuring consistency and technical growth within the team Conduct periodic customer and site visits, including travel to remote mining locations when required Experience Required Minimum 5 years of experience in mechanical design engineering, preferably in heavy or mobile equipment Advanced proficiency in SolidWorks, AutoCAD and\/or Creo Hands-on experience with simulation tools such as ANSYS, MATLAB, or Nastran Solid background in material selection, manufacturing processes, and cost engineering Demonstrated experience reading and modifying hydraulic and pneumatic schematics Experience in system testing, validation, and advanced diagnostic troubleshooting Knowledge of industry standards and safety regulations relevant to underground mining equipment is a strong advantage Proven ability to lead design projects and mentor junior team members Willingness to travel periodically, including to mine sites and test and validation facilities Qualifications BSc Mechanical Engineering, Diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology, or C.Eng. Tech (required)