Design Engineer - Small Mechanisms (Hybrid)

Placements24; Kimberley; Hybrid; CAD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Job summary

Placements24 is partnering with a specialized firm in Kimberley, ZA, to hire a Design Engineer skilled in small mechanisms for a hybrid role balancing remote work with in-person design reviews. You will conceptualize, design, and develop precision micro-mechanisms for high-precision applications and collaborate across R&D, electrical, and software teams.

The role emphasizes detailed CAD work (SolidWorks, Onshape), tolerance analysis, and manufacturability for miniature parts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in mechanical design with a strong focus on small mechanisms, gear trains, or micro-actuation systems.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software is essential; experience with tolerance analysis tools is a plus.
• Good understanding of precision manufacturing processes (e.g., micro-machining, injection molding for small parts).

Responsibilities

• Design and develop complex small mechanisms, actuators, and precision components using 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Onshape).
• Perform tolerance analysis and design for manufacturability of miniature parts.
• Create detailed engineering drawings, specifications, and Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Collaborate with R&D, electrical engineers, and software developers in a hybrid work environment.
• Support prototyping, testing, and validation of designed mechanisms.
• Investigate and resolve design challenges related to miniaturization, friction, and precision movement.
• Conduct material selection appropriate for small-scale, high-performance applications.
• Prepare technical reports and present design concepts and results to the team.
• Stay updated on emerging technologies in micro-mechanics and precision engineering.

Skills

3D CAD proficiency

Tolerance analysis

Analytical skills

Teamwork & communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Onshape

Tolerance analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a specialized firm in the design of miniature automation systems, is seeking a creative Design Engineer with expertise in small mechanisms to join their team in **Kimberley, Northern Cape, ZA**. This hybrid role combines the convenience of remote work with the necessity of in-person collaboration for critical design reviews and prototyping activities. You will be responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and developing intricate mechanical systems for applications requiring high precision and miniaturization. This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer who enjoys detailed design work and problem-solving at a micro-level, contributing to innovative solutions in specialized industrial sectors. The role demands meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of precision engineering principles.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop complex small mechanisms, actuators, and precision components using 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Onshape).
• Perform tolerance analysis and design for manufacturability of miniature parts.
• Create detailed engineering drawings, specifications, and Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Collaborate with R&D, electrical engineers, and software developers in a hybrid work environment.
• Support prototyping, testing, and validation of designed mechanisms.
• Investigate and resolve design challenges related to miniaturization, friction, and precision movement.
• Conduct material selection appropriate for small-scale, high-performance applications.
• Prepare technical reports and present design concepts and results to the team.
• Stay updated on emerging technologies in micro-mechanics and precision engineering.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in mechanical design, with a strong focus on small mechanisms, gear trains, or micro-actuation systems.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software is essential; experience with tolerance analysis tools is a plus.
• Good understanding of precision manufacturing processes (e.g., micro-machining, injection molding for small parts).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen eye for detail.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills to thrive in a hybrid setting.
• Ability to work independently on remote tasks and participate actively in on-site sessions in **Kimberley, Northern Cape, ZA**.
• Experience in robotics, medical devices, or consumer electronics is advantageous.
• Must be able to commute to the **Kimberley, Northern Cape, ZA** office as required.

Benefits

This contract position offers a competitive hourly rate and the opportunity to work on highly specialized and innovative projects. You will gain valuable experience in micro-mechanics and precision engineering within a collaborative environment that balances remote flexibility with essential in-person interaction. Our client is committed to providing a challenging and rewarding work experience in **Kimberley, Northern Cape, ZA**, fostering professional growth for its engineers.