Mechanical Design Engineer - Manufacturing Equipment

Placements24; Queenstown; Hybrid; NZD 160,000 - 213,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement annuity

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to develop specialty manufacturing equipment from a remote base, serving Queenstown and beyond. You will design, analyze, and optimize custom machinery, leveraging CAD and simulation tools while coordinating with distributed teams.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in mechanical design, strong CAD skills (SolidWorks, Inventor), and a proven ability to manage projects remotely.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Minimum of 5 years in mechanical design.
• Experience with manufacturing equipment or automation.
• Familiarity with CAD and simulation tools.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop bespoke manufacturing equipment and automation systems.
• Create detailed 3D models, 2D drawings, and Bills of Materials using CAD.
• Perform mechanical analysis (stress, tolerance, kinematics) for robust designs.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to define equipment specs and requirements.
• Work with fabrication shops to ensure accurate implementation of designs.
• Develop and execute test plans for new equipment validation.
• Troubleshoot and optimize existing equipment for better performance.
• Stay current with manufacturing tech and automation advances.
• Prepare technical documentation including user manuals and maintenance guides.

Skills

Mechanical design

Remote collaboration

Problem solving

Team communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the food and beverage processing industry, is seeking an innovative Mechanical Design Engineer to develop specialized manufacturing equipment from their remote operational base, serving the **Queenstown, Eastern Cape** region and beyond. This role focuses on conceptualizing, designing, and optimizing custom machinery to meet specific production needs. You will leverage your expertise in CAD, engineering analysis, and manufacturing processes to create efficient, reliable, and safe equipment solutions. The ideal candidate is a self-starter with a strong track record in machine design and a passion for solving complex engineering challenges in a distributed team environment. This is a fantastic opportunity to shape the future of manufacturing technology for a leading brand.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop bespoke manufacturing equipment and automation systems.
• Create detailed 3D models, 2D drawings, and Bills of Materials using advanced CAD software.
• Perform mechanical analysis (stress, tolerance, kinematics) to ensure robust designs.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to define equipment specifications and requirements.
• Work closely with fabrication shops and technical teams to ensure accurate implementation of designs.
• Develop and execute test plans for new equipment validation.
• Troubleshoot and optimize existing equipment designs for improved performance and reliability.
• Stay current with advancements in manufacturing technologies and automation.
• Prepare technical documentation, including user manuals and maintenance guides.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in mechanical design, with a focus on manufacturing equipment or automation.
• Expertise in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor) and associated simulation tools.
• Strong understanding of mechanical principles, mechanisms, and machine dynamics.
• Knowledge of various manufacturing processes (CNC machining, fabrication, assembly).
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for remote collaboration.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage projects effectively in a remote setting.
• Experience in the food processing industry is a significant advantage.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary with potential for performance-based bonuses. As a remote-first role supporting operations relevant to **Queenstown, Eastern Cape**, you will enjoy the flexibility of working from home. Comprehensive benefits include medical aid, a retirement annuity, and generous paid time off. Opportunities for continuous learning and professional development are provided, ensuring you stay at the forefront of your field. We foster a collaborative and inclusive culture, even across distances.