Senior Mechanical Engineer - Saudi Arabia

About Saudi Gold Refinery

Saudi Gold Refinery (SGR) is a Saudi mining and precious-metals company specialized in the refining of gold and precious metals, bullion production, and value-added precious-metal services. Operating within the Kingdom's mining value chain, SGR is aligned to the Vision 2030 mining pillar and to the regulatory framework set by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources (MIM) and applicable Saudi and international standards. We produce responsibly sourced, traceable, and certified bullion, operate to LBMA Good Delivery and ISO-aligned quality standards, and invest in the people, processes, and controls behind every bar we produce.

Role Overview

Saudi Gold Refinery (SGR) is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer in Saudi Arabia to lead the mechanical integrity and reliability of our downstream refining operations. This role focuses on maintaining critical assets such as acid plants, electrolytic cells, and bullion casting lines to ensure continuous production. The engineer will drive preventive maintenance strategies and oversee mechanical projects to support SGR's contribution to the Kingdom's mining value chain.

The Senior Mechanical Engineer will report directly to the Engineering & Projects Manager and will play a key role in optimizing plant availability and safety. This position requires a disciplined professional who can manage technical teams, coordinate with contractors, and ensure compliance with international and local industrial standards.

Key Responsibilities

The Senior Mechanical Engineer will be responsible for the following key areas:

Asset Reliability Management

The role develops and executes reliability-centered maintenance programs for critical refining assets to minimize unplanned downtime and maximize equipment life.

Project Engineering Oversight

This position leads the mechanical scope of plant expansion and upgrade projects, ensuring design compliance, quality fabrication, and successful commissioning.

HSE and Process Safety

The engineer ensures all mechanical activities adhere to PTW, LOTO, and HAZOP requirements, maintaining strict compliance with Saudi safety regulations.

Team Leadership and Development

The role mentors mechanical technicians and junior engineers, building internal competency and supporting Saudization objectives within the maintenance department.

Vendor and Contract Management

This position evaluates technical proposals from vendors and manages contractor performance during maintenance shutdowns and repair works.

Root Cause Analysis

The engineer leads investigations into mechanical failures, implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence and improve operational stability.

Maintenance Planning and Budgeting

The role manages the mechanical maintenance budget and spare parts inventory, ensuring cost-effective resource allocation and timely procurement.

Technical Compliance and Auditing

This position ensures all mechanical systems comply with ASME, API, and SASO standards, preparing the plant for internal and external audits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of 12 years of mechanical engineering experience in heavy industry, preferably mining or chemical processing.
• Proven expertise in maintaining rotating equipment, static vessels, and piping systems in continuous process plants.
• Strong knowledge of preventive and predictive maintenance methodologies.
• Experience with root cause analysis tools such as RCA and FMEA.
• Valid membership with the Saudi Council of Engineers (SCE).
• Proficiency in English for technical communication and documentation.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to manage teams and contractors.

Preferred / Nice-to-have

• Master's degree in Mechanical or Reliability Engineering.
• Experience in gold refining or hydrometallurgical processes.
• CMRP or PMP certification.
• Familiarity with Saudi industrial regulations and local content requirements.

Success Metrics

• Critical equipment availability meets or exceeds 95%.
• Unplanned downtime is reduced by 15% year-over-year.
• Mechanical projects are delivered within 5% of budget and schedule.
• Zero lost-time injuries related to mechanical maintenance activities.
• 100% compliance with pressure vessel and piping inspection schedules.
• Maintenance budget variance remains within ±5% of approved plan.
• Successful completion of technical training for 100% of mechanical staff.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Saudi Gold Refinery welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. Hiring decisions are made based on role requirements, skills, experience, and alignment with Saudization and Vision 2030 priorities.