Mechanical Design Engineer - Renewable Energy Systems

Placements24; Riverton (UT); On-site; USD 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Upington work environment

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Mechanical Design Engineer to advance renewable energy projects in Upington, South Africa. You will design mechanical components and systems for solar installations, accuracy in CAD models, and BOMs, with a focus on robust, cost-efficient solutions.

You’ll collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams, perform FEA and thermal analyses, ensure compliance with standards, and support installation and commissioning phases.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of mechanical design experience.
• Proficient in 3D CAD (SolidWorks, AutoCAD) and FEA software.
• Strong understanding of structures, materials, and thermodynamics.
• Knowledge of solar energy systems is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and systems for renewable energy installations (solar trackers, mounting structures, BOMs).
• Create detailed 3D models and BOMs using CAD software.
• Perform structural and thermal analysis using FEA and other tools.
• Collaborate with civil, electrical engineers and project managers to ensure integrated design.
• Contribute to site layout design and component selection for renewable energy projects.
• Oversee prototyping and testing phases for new mechanical designs.
• Ensure designs comply with industry standards, safety regulations, and project requirements.
• Prepare technical documentation and presentations for stakeholders.
• Identify and evaluate new technologies and materials for improving system efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Support the installation and commissioning phases of renewable energy projects.

Skills

Mechanical design

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

FEA software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in the renewable energy sector, is seeking a dedicated Mechanical Design Engineer to join their growing operations in Upington, Northern Cape. This role is integral to the design and development of mechanical systems for solar power projects and other sustainable energy solutions. You will contribute to projects that are at the forefront of clean energy technology, impacting environmental sustainability. The Upington, Northern Cape location places you in a region ideal for solar energy development, offering unique project opportunities. The ideal candidate will have a solid foundation in mechanical engineering principles, with a passion for renewable energy and a keen interest in developing robust, efficient, and cost-effective designs. This is an exciting chance to be part of a mission-driven company that is shaping the future of energy.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and systems for renewable energy installations, such as solar trackers, mounting structures, and balance-of-system components.
• Create detailed 3D models, engineering drawings, and Bills of Materials (BOMs) using CAD software.
• Perform structural and thermal analysis using FEA and other simulation tools to ensure design integrity and performance.
• Collaborate with civil engineers, electrical engineers, and project managers to ensure integrated system design.
• Contribute to site layout design and component selection for renewable energy projects.
• Oversee prototyping and testing phases for new mechanical designs.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant industry standards, safety regulations, and project-specific requirements.
• Prepare technical documentation, reports, and presentations for project stakeholders.
• Identify and evaluate new technologies and materials for improving system efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Support the installation and commissioning phases of renewable energy projects.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in mechanical design, with a focus on product or system development.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) and experience with FEA software.
• Understanding of structural mechanics, materials science, and thermodynamics.
• Familiarity with renewable energy technologies, particularly solar power systems, is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and documentation abilities.
• Ability to manage design tasks and meet project deadlines.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and training in the renewable energy sector.
• Involvement in significant projects contributing to a sustainable future.
• Paid annual leave and company holidays.
• A collaborative and forward-thinking work environment in Upington.