Mechanical Design Engineer - Agricultural Machinery

Placements24; Kimberley; Hybrid; CAD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health and wellness benefits

Retirement savings plan

Professional development

Exposure to innovative technology

Flexible hybrid work environment

Generous annual leave

Collaborative team culture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer for a hybrid role in Kimberley, SA. You will conceptualize, design, and develop next-generation agricultural equipment, applying CAD tools and engineering principles to deliver robust, efficient machinery.

Ideal candidates have 4+ years of mechanical design experience, strong CAD skills (Inventor/SolidWorks), and knowledge of PDM/PLM systems. Hybrid work enables on-site collaboration with remote work when feasible.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 4+ years of mechanical design experience in agriculture/heavy equipment.
• Proficient in 3D CAD and PDM/PLM systems.
• Knowledge of FEA is a plus.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical systems for agricultural machinery using CAD tools.
• Create detailed 2D drawings, 3D models and assemblies for manufacturing.
• Perform stress, fatigue and motion simulations to optimize designs.
• Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing and product management to define requirements.
• Prepare BOMs and design specifications.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards.
• Develop prototypes and support testing.
• Support troubleshooting and cost-reduction initiatives.

Skills

3D CAD

Stress analysis

Kinematics

Material selection

Analytical skills

Communication

Teamwork

Hybrid work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Inventor

SolidWorks

PDM/PLM systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in agricultural machinery, is seeking a talented Mechanical Design Engineer to join their team in Kimberley, Northern Cape . This role is essential for the conceptualization, design, and development of next-generation agricultural equipment. You will apply your mechanical engineering expertise to create robust, efficient, and user-friendly machinery that enhances farming productivity. The ideal candidate possesses strong skills in CAD software, a solid understanding of mechanical principles, and a passion for developing practical solutions for the agricultural sector. This hybrid position offers a flexible work arrangement, combining essential on-site collaboration with remote work capabilities, allowing for efficient project execution and team synergy.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop new mechanical systems and components for agricultural machinery using advanced CAD software (e.g., Inventor, SolidWorks).


• Create detailed 2D drawings, 3D models, and assemblies for manufacturing.


• Conduct engineering analysis, including stress, fatigue, and motion simulations, to optimize designs.


• Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, and product management teams to define product requirements and ensure design feasibility.


• Select appropriate materials, bearings, gears, and other components based on application needs and performance criteria.


• Develop prototypes and support testing and validation activities.


• Troubleshoot design issues and implement design modifications to improve performance and reduce costs.


• Prepare and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, including Bills of Materials (BOMs) and design specifications.


• Stay abreast of technological advancements and trends in agricultural machinery design.


• Ensure designs comply with relevant safety standards and regulations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.


• Minimum of 4 years of experience in mechanical design, preferably in the agricultural, construction, or heavy equipment sector.


• Proficiency in 3D CAD software and experience with PDM/PLM systems.


• Solid understanding of mechanical design principles, including stress analysis, kinematics, and material selection.


• Experience with engineering simulation tools (FEA) is a plus.


• Good analytical and problem-solving skills.


• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.


• Ability to manage multiple design tasks and work effectively in a hybrid environment.


• Familiarity with manufacturing processes relevant to agricultural machinery.


• Based in or willing to commute to Kimberley, Northern Cape for required on-site activities.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and potential for performance-based incentives.


• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package.


• Retirement savings plan with company contributions.


• Opportunities for training and professional development in agricultural engineering.


• Exposure to innovative agricultural technology and product development.


• A flexible hybrid work environment supporting work-life balance.


• Generous annual leave and company holidays.


• Supportive and collaborative team culture.