Senior Mechanical Engineer

National Asphalt (Pty) Ltd is seeking a dynamic, experienced, and results-driven Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our team based at the Bon Accord Asphalt Plant. The successful candidate will provide technical leadership and engineering expertise in the design, maintenance, repair, optimisation, and reliability of mechanical equipment, plant, and machinery. The role is responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and cost-effective operation of mechanical assets, managing engineering projects, implementing preventative maintenance strategies, and ensuring compliance with applicable legislation, engineering standards, and company policies.

The position may require work at operational sites, workshops, and project locations. The incumbent may also be required to work outside normal business hours, including weekends and public holidays, when operational requirements, breakdowns, or projects necessitate such support.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• MECHANICAL ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT

• Provide expert technical advice and guidance on mechanical engineering matters.

• Oversee the design, installation, commissioning, modification, and maintenance of mechanical systems, plant, and equipment.

• Investigate mechanical failures, identify root causes, and implement corrective and preventative measures.

• Review engineering drawings, technical specifications, calculations, and equipment designs.

• Ensure engineering solutions meet operational, quality, and safety requirements.

• Evaluate new technologies and recommend improvements to equipment performance and reliability.

• MAINTENANCE AND ASSET MANAGEMENT

• Develop, implement, and monitor preventative and predictive maintenance programmes.

• Oversee planned and breakdown maintenance activities to minimise equipment downtime.

• Analyse equipment failure trends and implement reliability improvement initiatives.

• Monitor asset performance, condition, and lifecycle costs.

• Ensure the reliability and availability of critical plant, machinery, vehicles, and equipment.

• Provide technical support during major repairs, overhauls, and equipment upgrades.

• ENGINEERING PROJECTS

• Manage engineering projects from initiation through to completion.

• Develop project scopes, technical specifications, budgets, and implementation schedules.

• Monitor project progress, quality, costs, and compliance.

• Coordinate contractors, suppliers, consultants, and internal stakeholders.

• Conduct technical evaluations of equipment and supplier proposals.

• Ensure proper commissioning, testing, documentation, and project handover.

• HEALTH, SAFETY, ENVIRONMENT AND COMPLIANCE

• Ensure compliance with relevant health, safety, environmental, and engineering legislation.

• Identify engineering risks and implement appropriate control measures.

• Participate in risk assessments, incident investigations, and technical audits.

• Promote compliance with company SHEQ policies and safe working practices.

• Ensure statutory inspections and required engineering certifications are completed.

• COST CONTROL AND BUDGET MANAGEMENT

• Prepare and manage engineering and maintenance budgets.

• Monitor expenditure related to maintenance, repairs, spare parts, and capital projects.

• Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising safety or quality.

• Evaluate equipment replacement and refurbishment options.

• Assist with capital expenditure planning and technical investment justifications.

• LEADERSHIP AND STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT

• Lead, coach, and mentor engineers, technicians, and maintenance personnel.

• Allocate and monitor engineering work according to operational priorities.

• Collaborate effectively with Operations, Production, Procurement, Finance, and SHEQ teams.

• Manage relationships with contractors, suppliers, and service providers.

• Prepare technical reports and recommendations for management.

• CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT AND REPORTING

• Drive initiatives to improve equipment reliability, efficiency, and productivity.

• Monitor and analyse engineering KPI's.

• Maintain accurate engineering records and documentation.

• Prepare monthly and ad hoc engineering reports.

• MINIMUM EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• 8-10 years' relevant mechanical engineering experience, preferably within a heavy industrial, manufacturing, construction, plant, or equipment-intensive environment.

• Proven experience in mechanical maintenance, asset management, reliability engineering, and project management.

• Experience in fault diagnosis, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation.

• Experience in budget management, contractor management, and technical procurement.

• Demonstrated leadership and mentoring experience.

• KNOWLEDGE AND TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

• Advanced knowledge of mechanical engineering principles and practices.

• Strong understanding of mechanical equipment, plant, and machinery maintenance.

• Knowledge of hydraulics, pneumatics, power transmission systems, bearings, gearboxes, pumps, and engines.

• Understanding of preventative and predictive maintenance methodologies.

• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.

• Knowledge of occupational health and safety legislation and engineering standards.

• Understanding of project management, cost control, and asset lifecycle management.

• Computer literacy in Microsoft Office and maintenance management systems.

• SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES

• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent technical judgement and decision-making ability.

• Effective leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

• Strong planning, organisational, and project management capabilities.

• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.

• High attention to detail with a commitment to quality and safety.

• Strong report-writing and presentation skills.

• Commitment to continuous professional development.

• QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERTISE REQUIRED

• BSc or BEng in mechanical engineering.

• Valid driver's licence.

• Proficiency in 2D or 3D modelling software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD or similar would be advantageous.

• General understanding of asphalt manufacturing and plant operations will be advantageous.

• Apply