Junior Mechanical Engineer - Product Development

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive entry-level salary

Health and retirement benefits

Structured mentorship and training

Job summary

Placements24 in Benoni, Gauteng, seeks a motivated Junior Mechanical Engineer to join the product development team. You will assist senior engineers in designing, prototyping and testing new mechanical products using CAD tools.

This entry-level position emphasizes hands-on learning, collaboration and growth, with structured training, mentorship and exposure to a range of consumer technologies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field.
• Solid understanding of fundamental mechanical engineering principles.
• Proficiency with CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD) is essential.
• Basic knowledge of materials science and manufacturing processes.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with ability to work in a team.
• Eagerness to learn and adapt to new technologies and methodologies.
• Proactive attitude and passion for product development.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the conceptualization and design of new mechanical components and products using CAD software.
• Create detailed 3D models, 2D drawings, and Bills of Materials under supervision.
• Participate in prototyping and testing of new product designs, documenting results.
• Conduct basic engineering calculations and analyses to support design decisions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on product development projects.
• Support troubleshooting and resolution of design-related issues during development.
• Assist in preparation of technical documentation and reports.
• Maintain organized project files and design records.
• Learn and apply company design standards and best practices.
• Contribute to brainstorming sessions and generation of new product ideas.

Skills

CAD design

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Materials science

Analytical thinking

Teamwork

Communication

Eagerness to learn

Internship experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and innovative manufacturer of consumer goods, is seeking an enthusiastic Junior Mechanical Engineer to join their product development team in Benoni, Gauteng . This is an exceptional entry-level opportunity for a recent graduate or early-career engineer to gain hands-on experience in the design, prototyping, and testing of new mechanical products. You will work under the guidance of senior engineers, contributing to all phases of the product lifecycle. The ideal candidate will possess a strong academic foundation in mechanical engineering, a keen interest in product design, and excellent problem-solving abilities. You will be part of a collaborative team focused on bringing innovative and high-quality products to market. This role offers significant potential for learning and career advancement within a supportive and fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the conceptualization and design of new mechanical components and products using CAD software.
• Create detailed 3D models, 2D drawings, and Bills of Materials under the supervision of senior engineers.
• Participate in the prototyping and testing of new product designs, documenting results and observations.
• Conduct basic engineering calculations and analyses to support design decisions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including industrial designers, electrical engineers, and marketing, on product development projects.
• Support the troubleshooting and resolution of design-related issues during development and pre-production phases.
• Assist in the preparation of technical documentation and reports.
• Maintain organized project files and design records.
• Learn and apply company design standards and best practices.
• Contribute to brainstorming sessions and the generation of new product ideas.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Strong understanding of fundamental mechanical engineering principles.
• Proficiency with CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) is essential.
• Basic knowledge of materials science and manufacturing processes.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team.
• Eagerness to learn and adapt to new technologies and methodologies.
• Proactive attitude and a passion for product development.
• Prior internship or project experience in mechanical design is advantageous.

Benefits

• Competitive entry-level salary.
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
• Structured training and mentorship program.
• Opportunities for career growth and specialization.
• Exposure to a wide range of consumer products and technologies.
• A positive and encouraging team atmosphere.