Job Description
- The Mechatronics Engineer is responsible for the design, development, integration, validation, and lifecycle support of electro-mechanical systems utilized in underground mining machinery. The role combines mechanical engineering, electrical systems, embedded controls, software integration, automation, and machine functional safety to develop reliable, compliant, and high-performance mining equipment systems.
- The engineer will support new machine development, machine automation, retrofit projects, diagnostics systems, control architecture development, machine safety systems, and compliance with mining industry regulatory standards
Minimum Experience:
BEng / BSc Eng / BTech in:
- Mechatronic Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Electromechanical Engineering
- ECSA registration (Candidate Engineer preferred; Professional registration advantageous).
- Valid driver's license.
- Proficiency in PLC programming and Experience with PLC platforms such as:
- Siemens (TIA Portal / Step 7)
- Rockwell Automation (Allen-Bradley Studio 5000 / RSLogix)
- Danfoss (Plus+ 1 Guide) – Preferred
- Generic (CODESYS) – Preferred Etc.
- Strong understanding of CAN Bus communication systems and SAE J1939 protocols.
- Minimum 3–5 years of experience in a Mechatronics/Automation or vehicle systems engineering role.
- Proven experience in mobile equipment, automotive, mining machinery, heavy equipment or related environments.
- Demonstrated practical experience in design and implementation of machine control systems
- Experience with underground Trackless Mobile Machinery (TMM) preferred.
- Experience with battery-electric vehicle (BEV) systems advantageous.
Technical Responsibilities:
Machine Control Systems Development:
- Develop, program, test, and validate machine control software using Danfoss PLUS+1 GUIDE.
- Design distributed machine control architectures for propulsion, steering, braking, hydraulic actuation and auxiliary systems.
- Configure machine controllers, calibration parameters, and software release packages.
- Develop machine diagnostic logic, fault handling strategies, and embedded control software.
- Conduct electrical load analysis and component selection for harsh underground operating environments.
PLC Programming & Automation Systems
- Develop, program, troubleshoot, and commission PLC-based control systems for machine automation and subsystem control.
- Develop control logic for hydraulic systems, safety interlocks, actuator control systems, machine automation, and process monitoring systems.
- Integrate PLC systems with HMI displays, sensors, CAN Bus communication networks, remote I/O systems, and industrial communication protocols.
- Support software debugging, system commissioning, field testing, and controller optimization activities
HMI Development & Operator Interface Systems
- Design, develop, and configure Human Machine Interface (HMI) systems for machine operation, diagnostics, fault monitoring, and operator feedback.
- Develop operator display screens for machine status monitoring, alarm management, fault reporting, and subsystem diagnostics.
- Integrate HMI systems with PLC controllers, machine ECUs, CAN Bus communication networks, and embedded control systems.
- Develop machine parameter configuration interfaces for service and maintenance activities.
- Support development of operator warning systems, fault annunciation logic, and machine performance monitoring interfaces.
- Ensure operator interfaces comply with machine safety and ergonomic design requirements for underground mining applications
CAN Bus & Communication Systems:
- Develop and troubleshoot CAN Bus communication networks using SAE J1939 and related industrial communication protocols.
- Integrate communication architecture between controllers, engine ECU systems, operator displays, telematics systems, and safety devices.
- Perform signal mapping, network diagnostics, and communication fault analysis.
Electro-Hydraulic Systems Integration
- Design and integrate electro-hydraulic control systems for steering, braking, implement control, and auxiliary hydraulic functions.
- Develop closed-loop hydraulic control systems utilizing proportional valves, sensors, and actuator feedback systems.
- Support hydraulic system performance optimization and validation testing.
Testing, Validation & Product Development
- Develop and execute subsystem and full machine validation test plans.
- Conduct prototype commissioning, software debugging, machine testing, and field validation activities.
- Perform root cause analysis on machine failures and implement corrective engineering actions.
- Support continuous product improvement and machine performance optimization.
Functional Safety & Compliance
- Develop machine systems compliant with mining safety and international regulatory standards.
- Implement fail-safe architecture, emergency stop logic, interlock systems, and machine shutdown strategies.
- Support compliance with ISO 21815, SANS 1589, EMC/EMI requirements, and underground mining safety requirements.
Automation & Emerging Technologies
- Support development of machine automation systems, remote-control systems, and semi-autonomous machine functionality.
- Integrate battery-electric vehicle systems including battery management systems, charging systems, thermal management systems, and electric drivetrain control.
- Support telemetry, machine health monitoring, and predictive maintenance technologies.
Advantageous:
Electrical & Electronic Systems Engineering:
- Design experience in machine electrical architecture including power distribution, circuit protection, harness design, grounding systems, and electrical integration.
- Experience with high-voltage electrical systems.
- Experience with Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) architecture and system design.
Familiarity with:
- Battery management systems (BMS)
- Inverters
- DC-DC converters
- Motor controllers
- Charging systems
- Functional safety concepts
- Knowledge of mining equipment regulatory requirements and standards.
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