Mechanical Engineer Engineering Associate​/Em

Upstream Technology, the technical arm of the De Beers Group offers advanced technical services to the upstream operations with the aim of partnering to add value across the value chain. Formed in 2025 from the merger of De Beers Marine and the Ignite Division of De Beers Group, we design, develop, deliver, and support innovative technology and engineering solutions through a suite of technology products and turnkey services.

We provide complete systems to clients as an integrated technology and engineering partner, driven by excellence, focusing on optimizing performance, enhancing efficiencies, and maximizing profitability.

This role reports into the Senior Mechanical Engineer.

The incumbent will be responsible for leading the development and execution of R&D projects aimed at improving existing and developing new marine mining and recovery systems and equipment.

• Mechanical Design
  • Design mechanical systems for mining applications.
  • Coordinate system integration and baseline establishment.
  • Maintain drawing and mining tool enhancement details, reports, and knowledge base.
• Technical Oversight
  • Develop and review technical specifications and tender documents.
  • Oversee mechanical fabrication quality to ensure design intent is met.
  • Conduct engineering analyses and evaluate equipment suitability.
• System Improvement & Readiness
  • Understand, analyze and improve the effectiveness/efficiency of existing mining/sampling systems as directed.
  • Support the operational readiness of new systems.
  • Conceptualize, evaluate and develop new mining/sampling systems as directed.
• Test Facilities & Data Analysis
  • Co‑ordinate or manage R&D projects and manage R&D test facilities as directed.
  • Support design, upgrade, and maintenance of test facilities.
  • Integrate and commission scale test models at test facilities.
  • Analyze test data and draw conclusions on how to improve mining tool and recovery performance.
• Design Coordination & Standards
  • Lead mechanical design standards and task coordination.
  • Implement and maintain CAD and configuration management systems.
• Assimilate knowledge gained into appropriate format, and build competency knowledge base.
• Disseminate technology/know‑how (tech‑transfer) through reports, presentations, and discussion.
• Manage departmental budget and control expenditure.
• Ensure compliance with procurement contracts and financial procedures.
• Client & Reporting
  • Liaise with clients on technical matters.
  • Prepare reports on system and sub‑system designs.
• Safety, Health, Security and Environment
  • Adhere to and promote applicable legislation, company safety, security, and environmental policies, procedures, goals, and objectives.
• Operational Deployment
  • The incumbent will be required to go to sea as and when required.

• BSc Eng / BEng / BTech Degree in Mechanical, Marine, Mining, or Naval Engineering.
• MSc Eng / MEng will be advantageous.
• 3–5 yrs post‑qualification engineering experience, with focus on conceptual design and experimental testing in fluid mechanics and terramechanics.
• Proven experience in mechanical design product/system development from concept to evaluation.
• Skilled in assimilating knowledge gained into appropriate formats and databases, and dissemination of technology through technical reports and presentations.
• Proficiency in MS Office is essential.
• Experience with CAE/CAD tools, including solid modeling.
• Experience in CFD, DEM and advanced use of MS Excel for simulation and modeling is essential.
• Experience in designing or developing mobile mechanized mining machinery will be a distinct asset.
• As the role involves collaboration across various levels of the organization, strong team and people management skills are essential.
• Mechanical Design
• Research and development capabilities
• Analyzing and Interpretation of information
• Conceptual Thinking and Numerical Analysis Fluency

Successful candidates will be required to complete background screening which may include a criminal check, validation of qualifications and medical fitness.

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