Lead Engineer - Mechanical (Underground Hard Rock Mining)

what you will do: Lead the development and delivery of mechanical engineering design packages for underground mining and materials handling projects in accordance with Australian Standards, client specifications, and applicable mining legislation;  Perform conveyor system design and analysis using Sidewinder and Belt Analyst Conveyor Design Software, including conveyor sizing, power calculations, dynamic analysis, transfer chute design coordination, and design optimisation;   Apply formal bulk solids handling and flow principles to the design of bins, chutes, feeders, transfer stations, and ore handling systems to ensure reliable operability and maintainability;   Develop engineering calculations, equipment specifications, datasheets, scopes of work, technical evaluations, and design reports for mechanical systems and equipment;   Lead the design and integration of crushing, screening, conveying, pumping, dewatering, dust management, and ventilation systems associated with underground and surface mining operations;   Develop practical solutions for dust suppression, dust extraction, and material containment in abrasive and high-throughput ore handling environments;   Contribute to mine ventilation and ventilation-on-demand (VOD) infrastructure design, including coordination with ventilation specialists and integration of mechanical services within underground environments;   Coordinate multidisciplinary interfaces including civil, structural, electrical, process, and geotechnical requirements to deliver integrated engineering outcomes;   Conduct technical reviews, risk assessments, HAZOPs, constructability reviews, and design verification activities;   Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and guidance to graduate and intermediate engineers and designers;   Liaise directly with clients, vendors, project managers, and site personnel to manage technical deliverables, resolve engineering queries, and support project execution;   Support procurement, tender evaluations, construction activities, commissioning, and operational readiness as required.  Here’s what we’re looking for: Strong first-principles engineering capability across materials handling, bulk-solids flow, rotating equipment, fluid systems and fixed plant.  Practical understanding of underground hard-rock operations and the constraints of confined, remote and high-risk environments.  Able to identify technical risk, challenge assumptions constructively and develop fit-for-purpose solutions.  Clear communicator with project teams, vendors, site personnel and clients.  Organised and able to manage competing priorities while maintaining quality under programme pressure.  Collaborative, accountable and committed to mentoring and knowledge transfer. Experience using Discrete Element Modelling (DEM) software for bulk material flow analysis, transfer chute optimisation, and materials handling troubleshooting would be highly regarded;   Experience with engineering and modelling software including AutoCAD, Navisworks, Plant 3D, Revit, or equivalent platforms;   Sound working knowledge of relevant Australian Standards and mining legislation, including AS 4024, AS 1418, AS 4041, AS 4100, and WHS requirements.  Equivalent international standards experience with demonstrated adaptability will also be considered. Experience working within multidisciplinary EPCM or consulting project environments;   Proficiency across Microsoft Office Suite and engineering document management systems.  A bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from a recognised institution.  At least 9 years' mechanical engineering experience, including significant exposure to mining, bulk materials handling or heavy industry. Registered Professional Engineer with a recognised professional body.  Demonstrated capability in conveyor systems, transfer systems, fixed plant and bulk-materials handling.  Practical experience using at least one recognised conveyor-design package, including Sidewinder or Belt Analyst.  Experience producing coordinated deliverables across concept, pre-feasibility, feasibility, detailed design and construction support.  Professional fluency in written and spoken English and confidence engaging with international stakeholders. AECOM is seeking a  Lead Engineer - Mechanical (Underground Hard Rock Mining)  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.  The team's core focus is delivering mining and materials handling and associated designs into AECOM's global Resources + Industry business. 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. 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