Senior Designer - Mechanical (Underground Hard Rock Mining)

AECOM is seeking a Senior Designer - Mechanical (Underground Mining Hard Rock)  to be based in South Africa's Enterprise Capabilities office in Centurion . This position will support a team locally based in South Africa and Global Teams. As a part of AECOM's culture, it offers a flexible hybrid work arrangement which accommodates both office and out-of-office work schedules.

About Enterprise Capabilities

Fundamental to our Think and Act Globally strategy and digital adoption, Enterprise Capabilities (EC) is AECOM’s primary vehicle for workshare. Operating across geographic boundaries and time-zones, EC partners with regional and Global Business Line project teams to provide technical expertise, accelerate delivery and keep AECOM competitive in the industry. 

With a team of over 3000 technical professionals located across nine countries and remote technical anchors, EC teams are trusted to deliver high-quality, specialist services that help to fill capability gaps, resourcing needs and technical constraints on projects of all scopes and sizes.

Start here. Grow here.

Job Description

Here is what you will be doing: 

The Senior Mechanical Designer will lead the mechanical design of underground hard rock mining systems and infrastructure. The role covers the full design lifecycle from concept through to detailed design and construction support, with a focus on crushing, conveying, fixed plant systems and associated underground infrastructure. 

• Lead mechanical design of underground hard rock mining systems including crushers, conveyors, ore passes, fixed plant and underground infrastructure. 
• Lead the development of detailed mechanical design drawings, models and documentation using AutoCAD and Navisworks. 
• Support coordination of ventilation-on-demand (VOD) systems, fans, ducting and associated mechanical infrastructure where required (prior exposure advantageous). 
• Prepare mechanical design calculations, equipment selection documents, specifications and data sheets. 
• Review and coordinate mechanical designs with civil, structural, electrical and process disciplines. 
• Lead 3D model development and participate in design and clash detection reviews. 
• Ensure compliance with applicable mechanical engineering codes, mining regulations and project standards. 
• Operate autonomously across all project stages from concept, FEED, detailed design and construction support. 
• Provide technical mentorship and quality review of outputs from junior and intermediate mechanical designers. 
• Liaise with project managers and engineering leads to maintain deliverable quality, schedule and scope. 
• Participate in site visits, hazard identification (HAZID/HAZOP) reviews and constructability assessments as required.

Here is what we are looking for: 

• Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD – mechanical design and drawing production for mining applications. 
• Experience with Advance Steel advantageous. 
• Navisworks – 3D model coordination, clash detection and design review. 
• Deep technical expertise in underground crushing systems, conveyors, ore handling and fixed plant design. 
• Experience with VOD systems, fans, ducting and underground ventilation infrastructure advantageous. 
• Demonstrated ability to lead mechanical design packages autonomously across all project phases. 
• Strong understanding of mining regulations and mechanical engineering codes applicable to underground environments. 
• Registration with ECSA or equivalent professional body (advantageous). 
• Experience in both copper and gold underground mining environments. 
• Exposure to HAZID, HAZOP and constructability review processes. 
• Experience working in a consulting engineering or workshare environment. 

Qualifications

• Diploma or Advanced Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent); Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering highly regarded. 
• Minimum 8–12 years’ mechanical drafting and design experience. 
• Minimum 5 years’ specific experience in hard rock underground mining (copper and/or gold preferred). 

Additional Information

At AECOM, you will have freedom to grow in a world of opportunity

At AECOM, our Freedom to Grow philosophy supports flexibility and balance to help our people thrive. As part of this approach, we ask all hybrid employees to work from an AECOM office at least three days per week.

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM  

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work  

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.