Junior Mechanical Engineer - New Product Development

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 78,000 - 123,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stipend

On-the-job training

Mentorship

Future opportunities

Product development exposure

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Junior Mechanical Engineer for its New Product Development team in Soweto. This entry-level role offers hands-on experience in design, development, and testing of mechanical components and systems under senior engineers’ guidance.

The successful candidate will have a recent Mechanical Engineering degree, strong fundamentals, and a proactive attitude toward learning and problem-solving. Rural-friendly internship with mentorship and potential future opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering completed within the last 12 months.
• Strong academic record with a solid understanding of fundamental mechanical engineering principles.
• Familiarity with CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks) is required; proficiency is a plus.
• Basic knowledge of materials science, manufacturing processes, and engineering analysis techniques.

Responsibilities

• Assist senior engineers in the design and development of mechanical components and assemblies using CAD software.
• Create engineering drawings, specifications, and Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Support prototyping activities, including fabrication, assembly, and testing of experimental designs.
• Conduct basic engineering calculations and simulations under the guidance of experienced engineers.
• Assist in troubleshooting and resolving design-related issues encountered during development.

Skills

CAD software proficiency

Analytical skills

Team player

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (recent graduate)

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and growing engineering firm located in Soweto, Gauteng , is seeking an enthusiastic and driven Junior Mechanical Engineer to join their New Product Development team. This is an exceptional entry‑level opportunity for a recent graduate to gain hands‑on experience in the design, development, and testing of innovative mechanical components and systems. You will work closely with senior engineers, contributing to various stages of the product lifecycle and learning cutting‑edge engineering practices. The successful candidate will be eager to learn, possess a strong theoretical foundation in mechanical engineering, and demonstrate a proactive approach to problem‑solving. This internship provides invaluable exposure to real‑world engineering challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist senior engineers in the design and development of mechanical components and assemblies using CAD software.
• Participate in the creation of engineering drawings, specifications, and Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Support prototyping activities, including the fabrication, assembly, and testing of experimental designs.
• Conduct basic engineering calculations and simulations under the guidance of experienced engineers.
• Assist in troubleshooting and resolving design‑related issues encountered during development.
• Contribute to the documentation of design processes, test results, and technical reports.
• Learn and apply relevant industry standards and best practices in mechanical design.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams on product development projects.
• Help maintain the engineering department's technical library and design resources.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the New Product Development team.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field obtained within the last 12 months.
• Strong academic record with a solid understanding of fundamental mechanical engineering principles.
• Familiarity with CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks) is required; proficiency is a plus.
• Basic knowledge of materials science, manufacturing processes, and engineering analysis techniques.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills with a keen attention to detail.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team.
• Eagerness to learn and a proactive attitude towards taking on new challenges.
• Ability to follow instructions and work under the supervision of senior engineers.
• Must be legally eligible to work in South Africa and reside in or be able to commute to Soweto, Gauteng .

Benefits

• This internship offers a competitive stipend, providing financial support during your development period.
• You will receive invaluable on‑the‑job training and mentorship from experienced professionals, significantly enhancing your engineering skills.
• The opportunity to work on diverse and exciting product development projects provides practical experience that is highly valued in the industry.
• Exposure to a professional engineering environment and collaboration with a supportive team are key benefits.
• Potential for future full‑time employment may be available based on performance and business needs.
• Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the product development lifecycle and build a strong foundation for their engineering careers.