Senior Project Engineer – Mechanical (Pumps and Pipelines)

SUMMARY:
Senior Project Engineer – Mechanical (Pumps and Pipelines)

POSITION INFO:

Senior Project Engineer – Mechanical (Pumps and Pipelines)

Reporting to: Senior Specialist: Tailings Solutions
Location: Head Office Gauteng (Hybrid) with national and occasional international travel

Role Overview

The Senior Project Engineer – Mechanical is responsible for leading and managing mechanical engineering activities related to pump and pipeline systems, with a strong focus on slurry transport and high-pressure water systems for hydro mining and tailings solutions.

This role supports strategic THE INNOVATION’S DIVISIONinitiatives by conceptualising, designing, reviewing, and implementing innovative mechanical solutions. The incumbent will play a key role in developing industry-leading hydro mining capabilities while driving innovation, research, risk mitigation, and technology integration across operations.

Key Responsibilities

Pump & Pipeline System Design

• Lead concept studies for slurry and high-pressure water systems supporting hydro mining projects globally.
• Manage specialist consultants through feasibility, design, and execution stages.
• Review existing pump and pipeline systems to identify bottlenecks and optimisation opportunities.
• Develop concept mechanical designs for reclamation and tailings deposition systems.

Hydro Mining Development

• Build advanced expertise in hydro mining solutions through internal and external engagement.
• Contribute to positioning the organisation as an industry leader in hydro mining system design.
• Support global hydro mining initiatives with technical leadership.

Project Management

• Lead planning, execution, monitoring, and close-out of strategic engineering projects.
• Manage project scope, resources, timelines, and budgets.
• Coordinate external consultants, suppliers, and service providers.
• Ensure delivery aligns with business strategy and performance targets.

Innovation & Strategic Initiatives

• Lead research and development initiatives (academic and industry-based).
• Investigate and operationalise new equipment and tailings placement technologies.
• Develop risk mitigation engineering solutions and best-practice tools.
• Drive digital and research-driven innovation (RDI).

Risk Management

• Identify risks within THE INNOVATION’S DIVISIONinitiatives and develop mitigation strategies.
• Evaluate and strengthen control environments.
• Collaborate with operational and technical teams to implement new work practices.

Business & Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop business models and implementation plans for THE INNOVATION’S DIVISION initiatives.
• Present detailed project reports to EXCO and key stakeholders.
• Support marketing and commercialisation of innovative solutions.
• Participate in commercial negotiations with suppliers and consultants.

Key Relationships

Internal

• THE INNOVATION’S DIVISION Department
• General Managers
• Operations Managers
• Technical Support Managers
• Project Managers and Engineering Teams

External

• Industry innovation leaders
• Academic institutions
• Consultants and suppliers
• Service providers
• Clients

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

• BEng or BSc (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering
• Project Management qualification advantageous

Experience

• 5–10 years relevant mechanical engineering experience
• Minimum 5 years in pump and pipeline design
• Experience in tailings management advantageous

Technical Competencies

• Slurry transport systems
• High-pressure water systems
• Pump selection and specification
• Pipeline hydraulics and design
• Mechanical concept development
• Cost estimation and budgeting
• Contract negotiation and procurement
• Regulatory and environmental compliance

Behavioural & Leadership Competencies

• Strategic thinking
• Innovation-driven mindset
• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability
• Excellent stakeholder management skills
• Effective communication (written and verbal)
• Team leadership and mentoring capability
• Adaptability and change management
• Commercial acumen

Working Conditions

• Hybrid work environment (Head Office-based)
• Regular travel to sites, suppliers, and consultants within South Africa
• Occasional international travel
• Exposure to mining and project site environments
• Must be medically fit for site work
• Required compliance with site health and vaccination requirements