Junior Mechanical Engineer - Manufacturing Support

Placements24; Lorenziberg; On-site; EUR 13,000 - 17,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Career development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Junior Mechanical Engineer to support manufacturing operations on the Queenstown factory floor. This entry‑level role suits a recent graduate or engineer with 0–3 years’ experience who wants to build hands‑on skills in process improvement and equipment troubleshooting.

You’ll work with senior engineers to design fixtures and tooling, perform basic testing and data analysis, and help ensure quality and safety on the line.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• 0–3 years of relevant experience in manufacturing or mechanical engineering.
• Basic understanding of mechanical principles, machine operation, and manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks) is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the troubleshooting and resolution of mechanical issues with manufacturing equipment on the production floor.
• Support the implementation of process improvements to enhance efficiency, quality, and safety.
• Participate in the design and fabrication of fixtures, tooling, and jigs to aid production.
• Conduct basic mechanical testing and data analysis to evaluate equipment performance.
• Help maintain mechanical documentation, including drawings, specifications, and maintenance records.
• Collaborate with quality control teams to ensure products meet specified standards.
• Support senior engineers in projects related to equipment upgrades and new process introductions.
• Adhere strictly to all safety regulations and company policies on the manufacturing floor.
• Learn and apply principles of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.
• Assist in root cause analysis for manufacturing defects or equipment downtime.

Skills

Problem solving

Teamwork

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a reputable manufacturer of precision industrial components, is seeking an enthusiastic Junior Mechanical Engineer to support their manufacturing operations in Queenstown, Eastern Cape. This is an excellent entry-level opportunity for a recent graduate or an engineer with 1-3 years of experience looking to build a solid foundation in manufacturing engineering. You will work closely with experienced engineers and technicians to improve production processes, troubleshoot equipment issues, and contribute to the optimization of manufacturing workflows. The role involves hands‑on involvement on the factory floor, ensuring adherence to quality standards and safety protocols. We are looking for a motivated individual with a strong mechanical aptitude, a willingness to learn, and a keen eye for detail. This position is crucial for maintaining operational efficiency and supporting continuous improvement initiatives within our client's Queenstown facility. The successful candidate will gain invaluable experience in a supportive and growth‑oriented environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the troubleshooting and resolution of mechanical issues with manufacturing equipment on the production floor.
• Support the implementation of process improvements to enhance efficiency, quality, and safety.
• Participate in the design and fabrication of fixtures, tooling, and jigs to aid production.
• Conduct basic mechanical testing and data analysis to evaluate equipment performance.
• Help maintain mechanical documentation, including drawings, specifications, and maintenance records.
• Collaborate with quality control teams to ensure products meet specified standards.
• Support senior engineers in projects related to equipment upgrades and new process introductions.
• Adhere strictly to all safety regulations and company policies on the manufacturing floor.
• Learn and apply principles of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.
• Assist in root cause analysis for manufacturing defects or equipment downtime.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• 0-3 years of relevant experience in a manufacturing or mechanical engineering environment.
• Basic understanding of mechanical principles, machine operation, and manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks) is a plus.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to identifying and addressing issues.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team.
• Willingness to work on the factory floor in Queenstown, Eastern Cape and learn from experienced professionals.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to quality and safety.
• Eagerness to learn and develop professionally within the manufacturing sector.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive entry-level salary, comprehensive medical aid, and a provident fund. This role provides an excellent platform for career development within manufacturing engineering, with opportunities for training and advancement. Employees benefit from a supportive team environment and direct exposure to industrial manufacturing processes. Our client is committed to fostering talent and providing a solid career path for aspiring engineers.