Industrial Engineer (Designer)

Mecad Systems; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 750,000; Full time

Job summary

Mecad Systems in Cape Town is seeking an experienced design engineer to lead product development and drive improvements across manufacturing and design processes. You will coordinate fitment projects, support production, and partner with internal teams, suppliers, and service providers to deliver quality outcomes.

Ideal candidates have a strong design portfolio, knowledge of CAD tools, and a proactive approach to continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Industrial Engineering, Product Design or related field.
• 3–5 years’ experience in manufacturing, engineering, product development, or process improvement.
• Experience with a strong diverse portfolio.
• Experience in product design in development environments, prototyping and model making.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and continuous improvement methodologies (injection moulding, CNC machining, sheet metal & 3D printing).
• Experience with user testing and usability studies.
• Knowledge of sustainability and eco-design principles will be advantageous.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, CAD software (SolidWorks, Rhino), Autodesk certifications.
• Proficient in 2D/3D visualization tools (KeyShot, Adobe Creative Suite, Blender).
• Driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Product Development & Design: Arrange vehicle fitments nationally through approved fitment centres, agents, suppliers, and service providers.
• Coordinate fitment bookings, vehicle availability, customer locations, accessory requirements, and completion timelines.
• Ensure customers, internal departments, fitment agents, and suppliers are aligned throughout the process.
• Monitor progress and elevate delays or issues to the relevant manager where required.
• Production & Manufacturing Support: Support production teams with process troubleshooting and operational improvements.
• Monitor production flow and identify bottlenecks impacting efficiency.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures and work instructions.
• Assist with capacity planning and resource optimization.
• Project Coordination: Coordinate product development and operational improvement projects.
• Monitor project timelines, deliverables, budgets, and implementation plans.
• Liaise with internal departments, suppliers, and external stakeholders regarding project progress.
• Ensure projects are completed within agreed deadlines and specifications.
• Customer Communication: Communicate with customers throughout the full process, including enquiry, quotation, payment, approval, fitment booking, and completion.
• Keep customers updated on progress, expected timelines, delays, supplier feedback, and fitment arrangements.
• Provide clear and accurate information to customers in a professional manner.
• Assist with customer queries, concerns, and follow-up requirements.
• Quality, Safety & Compliance: Ensure products and processes comply with company standards and safety requirements.
• Support quality improvement initiatives and corrective actions.
• Identify operational risks and recommend mitigation measures.
• Continuous Improvement: Promote a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Support lean manufacturing initiatives such as 5S, Kaizen, and waste reduction projects.
• Train and support employees on new processes and product changes.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Technical ability

Creativity

Planning

Communication

Teamwork

Problem solving

IP knowledge

Independent work

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor or Diploma in Industrial Engineering or Product Design

Tools

SolidWorks

Rhino

Autodesk

KeyShot

Adobe Creative Suite

Blender

Job description

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Industrial Engineering, Product Design or related field
• Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in manufacturing, engineering, product development, or process improvement
• Must have experience with a strong diverse portfolio
• Experience in product design in development environments, prototyping and model making
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and continuous improvement methodologies (injection moulding, CNC machining, sheet metal & 3D printing)
• Experience with user testing and usability studies
• Knowledge of sustainability and eco-design principles will be advantageous
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, CAD software (SolidWorks, Rhino), Autodesk certifications
• Proficient in 2D/3D visualization tools (KeyShot, Adobe Creative suite, Blender
• Driver’s license

Required Skills and Competencies:

• Strong analytical and technical ability
• Creativity and innovation in product development
• Excellent planning and organisational skills
• Strong visual communication and presentation skills
• Familiarity with Design for Manufacturability and Design for Assembly principles
• Strong project coordination abilities
• Attention to detail and problem-solving skills
• Understanding of IP/patent processes
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and within cross-functional teams

Key Performance Areas:

• Successful implementation of product development projects
• Improvement in operational efficiency and productivity
• Achievement of project timelines and deliverables
• Cost-saving initiatives implemented
• Product quality and customer satisfaction improvements
• Work independently and within cross-functional teams

Key Responsibilities:

• Product Development & Design
  • Arrange vehicle fitments nationally through approved fitment centres, agents, suppliers, and service providers
  • Coordinate fitment bookings, vehicle availability, customer locations, accessory requirements, and completion timelines
  • Ensure customers, internal departments, fitment agents, and suppliers are aligned throughout the process
  • Monitor progress and elevate delays or issues to the relevant manager where required
• Production & Manufacturing Support
  • Support production teams with process troubleshooting and operational improvements
  • Monitor production flow and identify bottlenecks impacting efficiency
  • Develop and maintain standard operating procedures and work instructions
  • Assist with capacity planning and resource optimization
• Project Coordination
  • Coordinate product development and operational improvement projects
  • Monitor project timelines, deliverables, budgets, and implementation plans
  • Liaise with internal departments, suppliers, and external stakeholders regarding project progress
  • Ensure projects are completed within agreed deadlines and specifications
• Customer Communication
  • Communicate with customers throughout the full process, including enquiry, quotation, payment, approval, fitment booking, and completion
  • Keep customers updated on progress, expected timelines, delays, supplier feedback, and fitment arrangements
  • Provide clear and accurate information to customers in a professional manner
  • Assist with customer queries, concerns, and follow-up requirements
• Quality, Safety & Compliance
  • Ensure products and processes comply with company standards and safety requirements
  • Support quality improvement initiatives and corrective actions
  • Identify operational risks and recommend mitigation measures
• Continuous Improvement
  • Promote a culture of innovation and continuous improvement
  • Support lean manufacturing initiatives such as 5S, Kaizen, and waste reduction projects
  • Train and support employees on new processes and product changes