Design Engineer

VR Group; Alberton; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 560,000; Full time

Job summary

VR Group is seeking a Design Engineer at our Alrode hub in Gauteng to drive mechanical design enhancements for mining equipment. You will create CAD drawings, review draughting outputs, manage PLM models, and generate innovative concepts while supporting simulations and field validations.

The role involves occasional international mine site visits, adherence to ISO standards, and collaboration across engineering, sales, and operations. A strong background in CAD/FEA is essential.

Qualifications

• B.Eng degree in Mechanical or Aeronautical Engineering.
• 3–6 years of design experience; mining/manufacturing experience is a plus.
• Strong interest in mining equipment design with CAD and FEA familiarity.

Responsibilities

• Create CAD drawings for parts and assemblies.
• Review draughting team work for quality and accuracy.
• Manage PLM models and update Bills of Materials.
• Generate concepts for product line innovation and improvement.
• Perform FEA/DEM/MBD simulations for product optimization.
• Conduct site visits to mines as needed.
• Assist sales with technical presentations and materials.
• Prepare technical reports and support design reviews.

Skills

Technical drawings

CAD

MS Office

Teamwork

Independent work

Education

B.Eng in Mechanical or Aeronautical Engineering

Tools

CAD

FEA

FARO Focus3D

Job description

Dear Prospective Innovator,

We’re excited to present an exceptional opportunity for a Design Engineer at our VR Engineering hub in Alrode. This position is ideal for engineers seeking a challenging new opportunity in mechanical design. This role offers the chance to shape the VR product lineup through innovative thinking, constant enhancements, and a dedication to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

Requirements

• A B.Eng degree in Mechanical or Aeronautical Engineering, with a preference for University of Pretoria graduates holding a 65% average.
• Candidates with 3–6 years of design experience are encouraged to apply. Experience within the mining or manufacturing sector is an advantage.
• A keen interest in mining equipment design, backed by familiarity with CAD and Finite Element Analysis (FEA).

Duties and Responsibilities

Draughting

• Create CAD drawings for parts and assemblies as needed. All engineers start here.
• Review draughting team’s work for quality and accuracy.
• Manage PLM models, including renaming, standardizing parts, and updating formats.
• Maintain up-to-date Bills of Material to reflect current design changes and revisions.

Design

• Generate concepts for ongoing product line innovation and improvement.
• Design and reverse engineer products as required.
• Perform welding and chamfering within the CAD environment.
• Prepare CAD models for various simulations.

Simulation (CAE)

• Perform Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for continuous product improvement.
• Interpret FEA results for product optimization.
• Conduct Discrete Element Method (DEM) and Multi-Body Dynamics (MBD) simulations as needed
• Validate models through scale/in-field when needed

Scan

• Conduct local and occasional international mine site visits.
• Reverse engineering of components using both traditional measurement techniques and advanced technology like the FARO Focus3D Terrestrial Laser Scanner.
• Perform point-cloud post-processing, including alignment and cleanup tasks.

Sales

• Accompany sales personnel on select site visits as a technical advisor to support sales and marketing initiatives
• Minimal independent client communication, without the presence of sales personnel.
• Assist in developing presentations and marketing materials, including simulation videos and related media.

General

• Aid in enhancing systems and processes, implement ISO standards, and adhere to established procedures.
• Support commissioning, troubleshooting, and failure inspections, both locally and internationally.
• Contribute to design reviews as needed.
• Prepare technical reports and conduct statistical research.
• Manage and oversee all aspects of projects under your direct control.
• Perform additional tasks as required for the primary function or duty of the position.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Capable to read & interpret technical drawings.
• Familiar with CAD and exposure to CAE would be considered a plus.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite.
• Physically capable of performing the specified duties.
• Able to work effectively in a team setting.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently.

Remuneration

• Market related.

Schedule and Work Environment

• Mon-Thurs 08h00 – 17h00 or 07h00 – 16h00, Fri 08h00-13h00
• Occasional after-hours may be necessary depending on the mission.
• Primarily office-based work setting, Occasional visits to open-cast mine sites
• Infrequent trips to heavy-fabrication factories and outdoor locations.

Adjudication

After your application is submitted, our team will carefully review the provided information and assess your suitability for the Junior Design Engineer position. Should you be shortlisted, we will reach out to you with the next steps, which may include interviews or further assessments.

Good luck!