Centurion: Mechanical Design Engineer (Contract)

JVR Software; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 650,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

JVR Software in Tshwane, South Africa, is seeking a hands-on Mechanical Engineer with strong optical integration experience to design and develop precision mechanical systems. You will work across disciplines to deliver assemblies, 3D CAD models, and detailed drawings for production.

The ideal candidate has at least five years of relevant experience, proficiency in tolerances and manufacturing processes, and a proven ability to troubleshoot and optimise designs through prototyping and testing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• 5+ years of mechanical design experience.
• Experience in optical design and opto-mechanical integration.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD and engineering drawings.
• Strong understanding of tolerances and manufacturing processes.
• Experience with prototyping and testing.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components, assemblies, and precision systems.
• Support optical design activities and integration of optical components.
• Develop 3D CAD models and detailed engineering drawings.
• Perform mechanical assembly, alignment, and testing of optical systems.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure performance and manufacturability.
• Conduct design reviews and implement corrective actions.
• Support prototyping, verification, and product development.
• Ensure designs comply with standards and project specs.
• Liaise with manufacturing to resolve design challenges.
• Maintain engineering documentation and records.

Skills

3D CAD

Mechanical design

Optical integration

Prototyping

DFMA

GD&T

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

3D CAD software

Job description

Posted 27 Oct 2026

Location Tshwane Job type Engineering Salary Highly negotiable depending on experience

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components, assemblies, and precision-engineered systems.
• Support optical design activities, including the mechanical design and integration of optical components and assemblies.
• Develop 3D CAD models, detailed engineering drawings, and manufacturing documentation.
• Perform mechanical assembly, integration, alignment, and testing of optical and precision mechanical systems.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to ensure product performance, reliability, and manufacturability.
• Conduct design reviews, troubleshoot engineering issues, and implement corrective actions.
• Support prototyping, verification, validation, and product development activities.
• Ensure designs comply with engineering standards, quality requirements, and project specifications.
• Liaise with manufacturing and production teams to resolve design and assembly challenges.
• Maintain accurate technical documentation and engineering records.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or an equivalent relevant engineering qualification.
• At least 5 years of relevant mechanical design engineering experience.
• Demonstrable experience in optical design, optical systems integration, or opto-mechanical engineering.
• Practical experience with precision mechanical assembly and the integration of optical components.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software and the preparation of engineering drawings.
• Strong understanding of mechanical design principles, tolerances, fits, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience with prototyping, testing, fault-finding, and design optimisation.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and technical communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

Advantageous Experience

• Experience with precision optical instruments, optical assemblies, or photonics-related systems.
• Knowledge of optical alignment, opto-mechanical tolerancing, and precision positioning mechanisms.
• Familiarity with GD&T, tolerance stack-up analysis, and design for manufacture and assembly (DFMA).
• Experience working in high-precision engineering, instrumentation, defence, aerospace, or advanced technology environments.

Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will be a hands‑on Mechanical Engineer who combines sound mechanical design expertise with practical optical assembly experience. They should be comfortable working with precision components, interpreting technical drawings, resolving complex engineering challenges, and supporting a product through design, assembly, and testing.