Senior Mechanical Design Engineer (Product Development)

Placements24; Kimberley; On-site; CAD 77,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging

Bonus program

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Exposure to innovative agri- tech

Job summary

Placements24 client in Kimberley is seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to lead the full product development cycle for heavy agricultural machinery. You will create 3D models, drawings, and BOMs, perform stress analyses and collaborate with manufacturing to optimize for production.

You will mentor junior engineers, coordinate with product management, and ensure safety and regulatory compliance in all designs. This is a full-time, on-site role in Kimberley.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 6+ years in mechanical design and product development, heavy equipment experience preferred.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software and FEA tools.
• Strong understanding of mechanical principles, hydraulics, power transmission and materials science.
• Experience with DFM/DFA and leading design projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of new agricultural machinery from concept to production.
• Create detailed 3D models, 2D drawings and BOMs using CAD software.
• Perform engineering calculations, stress analysis and simulations to verify designs.
• Collaborate with manufacturing to optimize designs for production (DFM).
• Oversee prototype development, testing and field trials.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations for agricultural equipment.

Skills

CAD/CAE intuition

Project leadership

Team collaboration

Analytical mindset

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

FEA

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading designer and manufacturer of specialized agricultural machinery, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Mechanical Design Engineer (Product Development) to join their established team in Kimberley, Northern Cape . This role is central to the innovation and development of new agricultural equipment, contributing to advancements in farming technology. You will be responsible for the entire product development cycle, from concept generation and detailed design to prototyping, testing, and transitioning to manufacturing. The ideal candidate possesses a strong understanding of mechanical systems, materials, stress analysis, and manufacturing processes relevant to heavy machinery. You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, including electrical engineers, software developers, and product specialists. This position offers a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge agricultural technology in a supportive and growth-oriented environment, contributing directly to the efficiency and productivity of farmers. This role requires full-time on-site presence in Kimberley, Northern Cape .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of new agricultural machinery and components from concept through to production.


• Create detailed 3D models, 2D manufacturing drawings, and Bills of Materials (BOMs) using CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor).


• Perform engineering calculations, stress analysis (FEA), and kinematic simulations to ensure design integrity and performance.


• Collaborate with manufacturing engineers to ensure designs are optimized for efficient production (DFM).


• Oversee prototype development, assembly, and rigorous testing to validate designs.


• Troubleshoot and resolve design-related issues identified during testing and field trials.


• Work closely with the product management team to define product requirements and specifications.


• Stay updated on industry trends, new technologies, and competitive products in agricultural machinery.


• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance to the design team.


• Ensure all designs meet relevant safety standards and regulatory requirements for agricultural equipment.

Requirements

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


• Minimum of 6 years of experience in mechanical design and product development, with a significant portion focused on heavy equipment or agricultural machinery.


• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor) and FEA analysis tools.


• Strong understanding of mechanical principles, hydraulics, power transmission, and materials science.


• Experience with design for manufacturing and assembly (DFM/DFA).


• Proven ability to manage design projects from concept to production.


• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.


• Ability to work effectively in a team and lead technical initiatives.


• Familiarity with agricultural operating environments and challenges is a strong asset.


• Must be available for full-time, on-site work in Kimberley, Northern Cape .

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.


• Annual performance-based bonus.


• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.


• Opportunities for professional development and further training.


• Exposure to innovative agricultural technology and equipment.


• Supportive team environment and company culture.


• Potential for career advancement into leadership roles.