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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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…