Junior Mechanical Draughtsman

Hydrofire; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 270,000; Full time

Job summary

Hydrofire is seeking a practical and motivated Junior Mechanical Draughtsman to join our operations team. This role goes beyond desk CAD, involving hands-on drafting and product development with fireplace assembly and sheet-metal fabrication.

You will work with the Operations Manager to take components from idea → drawing → manufacture → inspection → finished product, while coordinating with local suppliers and ensuring quality.

Qualifications

• Qualification in mechanical drafting or related field.
• Experience with 3D CAD software (Inventor or SolidWorks).
• Good 2D drawing ability (AutoCAD).
• Understanding of sheet metal fabrication.
• Ability to read drawings and verify components.
• Detail-oriented with organisational skills.
• Hands-on, willing to work in office and workshop.
• Ownership, problem solving and supplier communication.

Responsibilities

• Produce accurate 2D drawings and 3D models for fireplace and flue components, brackets, cover plates, vents and other fabricated items.
• Prepare manufacturing-ready drawings for laser cutting, bending, welding and assembly.
• Update drawings when dimensions, materials, bend radii or manufacturing requirements change.
• Assist with new product concepts, prototypes and design improvements.
• Work with local suppliers, laser cutters, bending companies and welders.
• Inspect manufactured components against drawings and specifications.
• Identify quality or fitment problems and assist with corrective action.
• Support local fireplace assembly, production documentation and quality control.
• Help coordinate locally manufactured components, supplier orders and lead times.
• Maintain an organised drawing and revision library.

Skills

Attention to detail

Willingness to learn

Ownership mindset

Supplier communication

Problem solving

Education

Mechanical drafting qualification

Tools

Autodesk Inventor

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Job description

Remuneration: Market-related, based on experience

Hydrofire is looking for a practical and motivated Junior Mechanical Draughtsman to join our operations team.

This is not a desk-only CAD position. You will assist with mechanical draughting and product development while gaining hands‑on exposure to fireplace assembly, sheet‑metal fabrication, quality control, and local suppliers.

You will work closely with our Operations Manager to take components from idea → drawing → manufacture → inspection → finished product.

Key Responsibilities:

• Produce accurate 2D drawings and 3D models for fireplace and flue components, brackets, cover plates, vents and other fabricated items.
• Prepare manufacturing‑ready drawings for laser cutting, bending, welding and assembly.
• Update drawings when dimensions, materials, bend radii or manufacturing requirements change.
• Assist with new product concepts, prototypes and design improvements.
• Work with local suppliers, laser cutters, bending companies and welders.
• Inspect manufactured components against drawings and specifications.
• Identify quality or fitment problems and assist with corrective action.
• Support local fireplace assembly, production documentation and quality control.
• Help coordinate locally manufactured components, supplier orders and lead times.
• Maintain an organised drawing and revision library.

Requirements:

• A qualification in mechanical draughting, mechanical design, CAD or a related technical field.
• Working knowledge of Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks or similar 3D mechanical CAD software.
• Good AutoCAD or 2D technical drawing ability.
• An understanding of sheet metal, laser cutting, bending, welding and fabrication.
• Ability to read technical drawings and check manufactured components.
• Strong attention to detail, organisation and willingness to learn.
• A practical, hands‑on approach and willingness to work in both the office and workshop.
• Ability to take ownership, solve problems and communicate confidently with suppliers and workshop staff.
• Experience in sheet‑metal fabrication, fireplaces, braais, HVAC, ducting, stainless steel, metal furniture, commercial kitchen equipment or light engineering would be advantageous.

We are looking for someone quick, practical, driven, and eager to develop. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to grow beyond junior draughting into product design and the development of new Hydrofire products.