Principal, Project Mechanical Engineer
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 21, 2026. First seen by Alion on Sep 23, 2026.
Who We Are
AngloGold Ashanti is a global gold mining company with a diverse, high-quality portfolio of operations, projects and exploration activities across 10 countries on four continents. We pursue value-creating opportunities involving other minerals, where we can leverage our existing assets, shareholdings, skills and experience.
At AngloGold Ashanti, we assure you of work that carries significance and creates tangible results. What we do goes beyond mining. We build livelihoods in communities, champion environmental stewardship, and strengthen local and national economies. Our leaders and teams are committed to listening to and supporting each other, valuing differences, and embracing equity. We are convinced that greatness only happens when we prioritize these behaviors and the well-being of every person.
Learn more about ourVision, purpose, values - AngloGold Ashanti
Principal, Project Mechanical Engineer
Role Overview
Crushers, screens, conveyors, leach tanks and slurry pipelines: the heavy machinery that turns rock into gold starts as a design. As our Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will help shape those designs on our studies and growth projects, long before steel is cut. You will be the in-house expert who makes sure what we build is safe, practical and good value. This is a brand-new role with real influence, where your technical judgement will guide projects across our mines.
If you began on a mine site and moved into design work with an engineering firm, you will bring exactly the mix we are looking for.
Your work will reach from the first study through to handover. You will work with our Director of Studies, outside engineering firms and site teams, and you will be trusted to say what others may not: where a design can be simpler, safer or better value.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide expert mechanical support to our studies team, from first concept through to commissioning.
- Guide outside engineering partners on studies, and review their designs for quality, safety and value.
- Support our brownfield growth projects during execution when they need specialist help.
- Compare design options and technologies, and recommend the best fit for each site.
- Challenge over-design and promote right-sized solutions that stay safe and compliant.
- Review designs for safety and risk, including facilitating hazard studies.
- Analyse the cost and time impact of supplier equipment options.
- Work with international project teams and engineering firms to keep standards high.
- Lead and coach a project-based team and develop junior and senior engineers.
- Influence decisions across functions and countries, even without direct line authority.
- Share lessons from site operations so that designs work well for the people who will run them every day.
Required Qualifications
- A bachelor of engineering degree in mechanical engineering.
- Registration as a Professional Engineer with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA). This is essential.
- 8 to 10 years of engineering experience in mineral processing, metal-producing industries and other capital-heavy projects.
- At least 5 years at senior, principal or expert level, ideally in an owner’s team managing engineering, procurement and construction contracts.
- Wide experience from early design stages (concept, pre-feasibility and feasibility) through construction, commissioning and handover to operations.
- Advantageous: gold mining experience. Experience in other mining is also valued.
Skills and Competencies
- Expert knowledge of heavy mechanical design, including crushing circuits, vibrating screens and long conveyor layouts.
- Strong knowledge of leaching, carbon-in-leach and thickening, and of slurry piping, pump sizing and flow modelling.
- Strong skills in risk-based technical assurance, safety in design and hazard studies.
- Sharp analysis and problem-solving, even in uncertain or fast-moving situations.
- Excellent communication and influencing skills across teams and countries.
- A practical, value-focused mindset with the confidence to challenge a design.
- Energy and enthusiasm for coaching others and building a culture of learning.
Work Environment and Expectations
- Based in Johannesburg, with regular travel to mine sites.
- You will work closely with the Director of Studies and external engineering partners, so strong teamwork across locations is essential.
- Mine sites are safety-sensitive environments. You will lead by example on safety and follow site rules at all times.
- This is a new position, so you will help shape how it works.
- You will report to the Director, Project Engineering.
Benefits Summary
- AngloGold Ashanti offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support employees’ health, financial security, and overall well-being.
- Medical insurance, employee assistance programmes, and wellbeing initiatives.
- Company-supported pension or provident fund contributions.
- Annual leave, sick leave, and public holidays in line with company policy.
AngloGold Ashanti Limited
Reg No: 1944/017354/06
AngloGold Ashanti is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of gender, race, religion, nationality, or disability.