Junior Mechanical Design Engineer

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Mentorship program

Medical aid

Pension fund

Professional certification support

Cape Town exposure

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a junior Mechanical Design Engineer to join a Cape Town based product development team. You will assist in designing mechanical components and assemblies, learning from experienced engineers while contributing to the full product lifecycle from concept to prototype testing.

This entry‑level role offers a competitive salary, structured mentorship, and exposure to diverse engineering projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a relevant technical field
• Familiarity with CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks) for 2D/3D design
• Strong engineering fundamentals and problem-solving skills
• Good communication and teamwork abilities

Responsibilities

• Assist in design and development of mechanical components and assemblies using CAD
• Support senior engineers with basic simulations and analysis
• Prepare and update technical drawings, specifications, and documentation
• Participate in prototype building and testing, document results and identify improvements
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand project requirements

Skills

CAD

2D/3D design

Analytical thinking

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an enthusiastic and detail-oriented Junior Mechanical Design Engineer to join their innovative product development team based in Cape Town . This role offers a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the design and development of cutting-edge mechanical systems, working under the guidance of experienced engineers. You will be involved in various stages of the product lifecycle, from concept generation to prototype testing, gaining invaluable hands‑on experience. This position is ideal for a recent graduate or early‑career engineer looking to build a strong foundation in mechanical design within a supportive and forward‑thinking company.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the design and development of mechanical components and assemblies using CAD software .
• Support senior engineers in conducting basic simulations and analysis to verify design integrity.
• Prepare and update technical drawings, specifications, and documentation for new and existing products.
• Participate in prototype building and testing, documenting results and identifying areas for improvement.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to understand project requirements and provide design support.
• Learn and apply industry best practices in mechanical engineering and product design.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a relevant technical diploma.
• Familiarity with CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks) for 2D and 3D design.
• Basic understanding of engineering principles, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with a meticulous approach to detail.
• Good communication and teamwork abilities, with a willingness to learn and adapt.

Benefits

• Competitive entry‑level salary and potential for performance‑based increases.
• Exposure to diverse and innovative engineering projects in Cape Town .
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and pension fund.
• Structured mentorship program and support for professional certifications.
• A vibrant and collaborative work environment fostering professional growth.