Mechatronics Engineer at Anglo American

Job Description:
This role report into the Geo Survey Manager in the Operations Department

• The incumbent will be responsible for managing the technical, maintenance, and engineering aspects of geophysical survey operations. This includes overseeing all equipment lifecycle management, asset management strategies, maintenance planning, and improvement projects for mechanical, electronic, and software systems. The role requires close collaboration with service providers while serving as the central pivot point for all equipment-related processes. Additionally, the incumbent will lead workshop operations, optimize technical workflows, and support offshore operations.
• The role includes project management responsibilities and requires technical and commercial assessments for work orders and capital projects. The incumbent will also be responsible for drafting scopes of work and ensuring continuous operational improvements.

Your role will include:

Overseeing Maintenance Planning & Execution

• Own and manage the preventive and corrective maintenance schedule, ensuring optimal equipment availability.
• Failure Analysis & Root Cause Investigation
• Conduct systematic failure analysis, utilizing diagnostic tools to identify faults, model failures, and implement corrective actions.
• System Modelling & Performance Analysis
• Develop digital twins and simulations to analyse mechanical, electrical, and software interactions for optimization of AUVs and survey equipment.

Conduct Technical Assessments

•  Evaluate work orders, failure reports, and equipment performance before approving maintenance interventions.
• Commercial & Cost Assessment
• Assist in budgeting, cost evaluation, and assist procurement officers in supplier negotiations, ensuring cost-effective solutions without compromising quality.
• Manage Workshop Operations
• Supervise day-to-day activities, ensuring efficient workflow, resource allocation, and adherence to safety protocols.
• Integration & Calibration of Sensors & Payloads
• Oversee the installation, calibration, and testing of sonar, positioning systems, and environmental sensors to enhance survey accuracy and data quality.
• AUV Life Extension programme
• Develop and oversee life extension plan of AUVs, structured equipment replacement plan for survey systems, ensuring optimal performance and extended operational life of all Geo Survey Systems.
• Supplier & Stakeholder Coordination
• Work closely with vendors, engineers, and offshore teams to ensure timely delivery and maintenance execution.
•  Ensure Compliance & Safety Standards
• Adhere to ISO 45001, and 14001 standards, SANS Standards ensuring safe and compliant operations in workshop and design and manufacturing of equipment.
• Lead Spare Parts & Inventory Management
• Maintain optimal stock levels, ensuring critical components are available without excessive holding costs
• Drive Continuous Improvement & Innovation
• Identify and implement process improvements, automation upgrades, and efficiency-enhancing initiatives to optimize performance.

Qualifications:

• Degree - BTech or BSc or BEng in Mechatronics Engineering

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years in a Geo Surveying environment of which 3 must be in management capacity
• Workshop management, asset care, and production environments.
• Maintenance management systems (SAP, or similar CMMS/ERP tools).
• Strong background in electrical, mechanical, and control system engineering.
• Experience in offshore and/or marine operations is preferred

Role Specific Knowledge:

• Familiarity with automation, robotics, and condition monitoring in an industrial setting.
• Knowledge of subsea electronic systems (positioning, acoustic mining, and visualization systems) is advantageous.