Job Description

This position exists to provide detailed project planning and management of strategic initiatives and projects within the NXTGEN department. To drive development and innovation within the business in line with company strategy, evaluate and assure control environments, and provide research, analytical and technical support to the business and the department. The role supports the transition toward smart, mechanised solutions by combining mechanical design, electrical control, and system intelligence.





RESPONSIBILITIES



Project Management


Oversee and conduct a lead role in planning, executing, monitoring, controlling, and closing of assigned strategic projects. Ensuring management of the entire project scope, project team, resources, budgets, and the success of the project. Coordinate and manage external consultants, suppliers and developers in execution of projects. Lead and support automation, mechanisation, and technology - driven engineering projects. Integrate mechatronic systems throughout the project lifecycle Collaborate with automation specialists, control system developers, and OEMs to deliver mechatronics-focused solutions. Apply structured project methodologies to R&D initiatives such as equipment upgrades, telemetry integration, and control desk enhancements.




NXTGEN Reporting


Develop and implement business model and business plans for NXTGEN initiatives. Deliver detailed progress reports on appointed strategic projects. Communicating and providing project specific information to EXCO and/or relevant Stakeholders. Driving NXTGEN solution awareness in the business and NXTGEN marketing initiatives. Support the technical development and deployment of smart mechatronic systems. Contribute to control systems design, automation logic development, and telemetry integration in alignment with NXTGEN goals.




Risk Identification and Management


Identify the risks associated with NXTGEN solutions and develop solutions to engineer out these risks or to mitigate these. Turning challenges and risks into strengths that provide a unique selling opportunity for the NXTGEN Solutions. Identify the controls and mitigations by which these risks are managed within the business and provide a full evaluation of the control environment. Ongoing liaison with the mineral processing and tailings technical and operational teams to implement new work practices. Evaluate technology integration risks, including electrical and control system failures, sensor redundancy, and field implementation constraints.




Innovative Engineering Solutions


Research projects (UP/Wits/Other) - Project lead and management. New equipment solutions - investigate, identify and R&D and operationalise model. New tailings deposition/placement solutions - investigate, define, and operationalise model. Risk management solutions - best practice tools. Marketing scoping - innovative solutions to market. Commercial negotiations and formalisation of innovative solutions with service providers, suppliers, consultants, etc. Lead R&D and prototyping of automated equipment and smart sensing systems in collaboration with academic and industrial partners. Contribute to the design and operationalisation of intelligent control desks, sensor arrays, and communication systems for field applications.


QUALIFICATIONS


Engineering degree (BSc with Honours) or BEng - Mechatronics, Project Management experience with qualification and/or registration (PMP) being an advantage. Strong academic and practical foundation in control systems, automation, robotics, and integrated mechanical-electrical systems.




EXPERIENCE


3-7 years applicable experience. Experience with PLC/HMI programming, sensor technologies, and industrial networking (e.g., Modbus, Ethernet/IP) is advantageous.




SKILLS, QUALITIES AND ABILITIES REQUIRED


Excellent working knowledge of technical solutions Experience in tailings management Excellent project management and time management skills Innovative approach to developing new solutions Strong problem-solving and analytical skills Excellent written and verbal communication skills Strategic thinking Hands-on experience with automation hardware and software, including PLCs, HMIs, and sensor systems Familiarity with system integration across mechanical, electrical, and software components in field-based applications Experience developing technical documentation such as work instructions, functional descriptions, and commissioning protocols for automated systems. Working knowledge of CAD tools (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks) with the ability to navigate, interpret, and make minor design modifications when necessary. Medically Fit as per Company standards.




Closing date: 12 May 2025