Mechanical Design Lead

Placements24; Queenstown (MD); On-site; USD 72,000 - 126,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Relocation assistance

Paid time off

Professional development

Leadership growth

Job summary

Placements24 in Queenstown, South Africa, seeks an experienced Mechanical Design Lead to steer the engineering effort, mentor engineers, and drive the design and development of robust mechanical systems from concept through product launch.

The candidate should hold a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering, bring 8+ years in design with at least 2 in leadership, and demonstrate expertise in CAD and advanced simulation. Competitive salary, benefits, and relocation support are offered.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 8+ years in mechanical design and product development.
• 2+ years in leadership or supervisory role.
• Experience leading engineering teams and projects.
• Expertise in CAD software and advanced simulation tools.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, and DFM/DFA.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of mechanical design engineers.
• Oversee the complete mechanical design process from concept to launch.
• Develop design standards and quality control procedures.
• Drive the selection and application of advanced design tools.
• Collaborate with product management, manufacturing, and other disciplines.
• Ensure designs meet performance, reliability, safety, and cost targets.
• Conduct and review FEA, CFD, and thermal analyses.
• Manage project timelines, resources, and budgets.
• Present design proposals and project updates to senior management.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives within the mechanical design function.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Strategic thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Project management

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD software

FEA tools

CFD tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced and visionary Mechanical Design Lead to spearhead their engineering efforts in **Queenstown, Eastern Cape**. This leadership role is crucial for driving the design and development of innovative mechanical systems and products. You will guide a talented team of engineers, oversee project execution, and ensure the delivery of high-quality, robust designs that meet market demands. The **Queenstown** location offers a strategic base for our client's operations. This position requires a proven leader with a deep technical background and a passion for innovation. You will be instrumental in shaping the technical direction, fostering a culture of excellence, and mentoring team members to achieve their full potential. We are looking for an individual who can balance strategic planning with hands-on technical oversight, making a significant impact on our client's growth and success.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of mechanical design engineers, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.
• Oversee the entire mechanical design process from concept generation to product launch.
• Develop and implement design standards, best practices, and quality control procedures.
• Drive the selection and application of advanced design tools and technologies.
• Collaborate with product management, manufacturing, and other engineering disciplines to define project requirements and roadmaps.
• Ensure designs meet performance, reliability, safety, and cost targets.
• Conduct and review complex engineering analyses (FEA, CFD, thermal analysis).
• Manage project timelines, resources, and budgets effectively.
• Present design proposals and project updates to senior management and stakeholders.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives within the mechanical design function.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in mechanical design and product development, with at least 2 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Proven ability to lead and manage engineering teams and projects.
• Expertise in CAD software and advanced simulation tools.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, and DFM/DFA principles.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to think strategically and translate vision into actionable plans.
• Experience in the relevant industry sector is a significant advantage.
• Must be authorized to work in **South Africa** and located in or able to relocate to **Queenstown, Eastern Cape**.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and bonus structure.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous retirement savings plan with company match.
• Significant opportunities for career advancement and leadership development.
• Paid time off and company holidays.
• Professional development and training budget.
• Relocation assistance if required.
• Impactful role in a growing organization based in **Queenstown**.