Lead Mechanical Design Engineer - Consumer Electronics

Placements24; Southampton; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonus structure

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Stock options

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Randburg seeks a Lead Mechanical Design Engineer to drive consumer electronics product development from concept to mass production. You will lead a team of engineers, guide design decisions, and ensure aesthetic, functional, and manufacturable outcomes.

The ideal candidate possesses strong CAD skills in SolidWorks or Creo, expertise in FEA/CFD, and a proven track record in rapid prototyping and experimental validation, with deep materials knowledge within electronics.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of mechanical design experience in consumer electronics.
• Proven experience leading engineering teams and managing complex product development projects.
• Expertise in 3D CAD software and knowledge of FEA and CFD tools.
• Deep knowledge of materials used in consumer electronics and their manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with thermal management solutions for compact devices.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills.
• Experience with rapid prototyping techniques and experimental validation.
• A portfolio of successful consumer electronics designs is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design of consumer electronic products (mobile devices, wearables, home appliances).
• Oversee the full product development lifecycle from concept to mass production.
• Mentor a team of mechanical design engineers and provide technical direction.
• Develop and refine 3D CAD models and 2D drawings in SolidWorks or Creo.
• Conduct stress, thermal, vibration, and drop simulations.
• Collaborate with industrial designers to meet aesthetics and design integrity.
• Work with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless product integration.
• Optimize designs for DFM and DFA with manufacturing partners.
• Stay updated on materials, manufacturing technologies, and trends.

Skills

Leadership

3D CAD

Materials knowledge

Thermal management

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Creo

FEA

CFD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly growing innovator in the consumer electronics space, is seeking an accomplished Lead Mechanical Design Engineer to spearhead their product development efforts in Randburg, Gauteng . This role is crucial for driving the mechanical design of next-generation consumer electronic devices, from initial concept through to mass production. You will lead a team of talented engineers, guide design decisions, and ensure the creation of aesthetically pleasing, highly functional, and manufacturable products. The ideal candidate will possess a blend of creative design flair, deep technical expertise in materials, DFM/DFA, thermal management, and a proven track record in product development cycles. Join a dynamic and fast-paced environment where you can significantly influence product innovation and shape the future of consumer technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design of innovative consumer electronic products, including mobile devices, wearables, and home appliances.
• Oversee the entire product development lifecycle, from concept generation and feasibility studies to detailed design, prototyping, and mass production readiness.
• Manage and mentor a team of mechanical design engineers, providing technical direction and fostering a collaborative design culture.
• Develop and refine 3D CAD models and 2D drawings using industry-standard software (e.g., SolidWorks, Creo).
• Conduct rigorous mechanical analysis, including stress, thermal, vibration, and drop testing simulations.
• Collaborate closely with industrial designers to ensure aesthetic requirements are met while maintaining design integrity.
• Work with cross-functional teams, including electrical engineering, software, firmware, and operations, to ensure seamless product integration.
• Optimize designs for Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA), working closely with manufacturing partners.
• Stay informed about the latest trends in materials, manufacturing technologies, and consumer electronics design.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in mechanical design, with a strong focus on consumer electronics product development.
• Proven experience leading engineering teams and managing complex product development projects.
• Expertise in 3D CAD software and a strong understanding of FEA and CFD tools.
• Deep knowledge of materials commonly used in consumer electronics (plastics, metals, composites) and their associated manufacturing processes (injection molding, die casting, CNC machining).
• Familiarity with thermal management solutions for compact electronic devices.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills.
• Experience with rapid prototyping techniques and experimental validation.
• A portfolio showcasing successful consumer electronics product designs is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous stock options and long-term incentive plans.
• Opportunities for professional development and attending leading industry conferences.
• State-of-the-art R&D facilities and collaborative work environment in Randburg .
• Product discounts and other employee perks.
• Be part of a cutting-edge company shaping the future of consumer technology.