Support Testing Engineer

SUMMARY:

Job Title: Senior Support Testing Officer/Support Testing Engineer
Location: Northern Suburbs, Johannesburg
Industry: Engineering Mining Consulting 
Type: Permanent  / Environment: High-paced, client-centric


About the Role
Geotechnical Sensing Engineering Consulting firm based in Johannesburg region has a vacancy for a Support Testing Engineer. The Support Testing Services business unit is responsible for laboratory testing and geotechnical rock support products, field evaluation and auditing of mining support trackless equipment. The purpose of the role is to provide operational and managerial support for STS and conduct laboratory testing and colliery site work.

POSITION INFO:
What you’ll be doing

• Planning, scheduling, managing, executing and reporting roof bolter evaluations at mining operations across South Africa (primarily coal mines at present but with the intention of future expansion to other hard rock mining operations).
• Preparing support documentation for underground related services such safety packs, PTO’s and COP’s.
• Planning, scheduling, managing, executing and reporting laboratory testing of geotechnical rock support products at Groundwork’s test press and suppliers test presses.
• Assisting with customer applications and requests for testing to ensure that customer needs are fully understood and the customer is informed of the services that can be offered.
• Preparing quotations in line with pricing models in order to meet the financial targets.
• Ensuring that standardised (support products quality assurance and auditing) tests are carried out according to established test methods (national, international and in-house developed) and standard operating procedures in order to comply with laboratory quality standards.
• Liaising with clients and suppliers to arrange, confirm and execute site visits and laboratory support testing.
• Data capturing and preparing written technical reports after laboratory support tests and roof bolter evaluation site visits.
• Problem-solving on issues arising.
• Conducting support testing and roofbolter evaluations when necessary.
• Workshop and test press management and quality assurance.
• Productive asset management including scheduling and arranging routine and preventative maintenance, asset tracking and correct storage management.
• Basic repairs to the productive assets when necessary.
• Liaison with suppliers and service providers on issues arising and repairs.
• Documenting and updating standard operating procedures.
• Creating and amending data capture forms.
• Ensuring all site work, test press and workshop documentation is suitable, and amended if necessary, and completed by all required staff members .
• Site and project management.
• Hosting of clients for observed support testing.
• Ensuring project, testing and site work schedules, budgets and deliverables are kept up to date.
• Maintaining internal tracking documents and databases.
• Liaising with suppliers on delivery and disposal of support testing products.
• Assisting the business manager with day to day operation of business unit and acting in his capacity when necessary.

• A degree in mechanical or mining engineering (NQF Level 7) with a minimum of 5 years work experience including relevant mining industry exposure or a National Diploma in mechanical or mining engineering (NQF Level 6 with a Cum Laude pass) with a minimum of 10 years work experience including at least 2 years in the mining industry.
• Proven experience working with hand tools (either at home, hobbies or in a workshop).
• Excellent computer skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Driving licence and own transport.
• Prepared to relocate to the Johannesburg area at their own cost.
• Project management exposure would be beneficial.
• Mine competencies (Competency A and B) would be beneficial.

• Up to R500,000 TCTC pa (depending on qualifications and experience).
• Up to 20 days leave pa (depending on qualifications and experience).
• Life insurance, income protection, retirement funding, medical.

• Based in Linbro, Johannesburg.
• Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm, when not on site.
• Prepared to be on site 1 to 2 days a week and occasionally at weekends, on public holidays and overnight.

• Strong desire (not just acceptance) for site work and project and site management.
• Creative with excellent problem-solving abilities (this will be tested in the interview).
• Exceptional communication skills.
• Systematic, methodical, logical, and analytical.
• Working knowledge of Afrikaans would be an advantage but not essential.
• Outgoing and engaging – exceptional people skills and the ability to create strong working relationships.
• Ability to handle client and customer issues tactfully and professionally.
• A demonstrable interest in technology.
• Ability to develop appropriate and effective methodologies from specific objectives.
• Self-motivated with the ability to plan and manage one's own work schedule and time management.
• Organised and meticulous with a high level of attention to detail.
• Bright with the ability to grasp complex technical concepts quickly.
• Ability to work independently and unsupervised for extended periods.