Junior Mechanical Engineer - Product Development

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 180,000 - 360,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work flexibility

Mentorship in R&D

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Mossel Bay is seeking a Junior Mechanical Engineer to join the Product Development team. You will assist in CAD modeling, prototyping, and basic analysis to support the creation of market-leading products from our Mossel Bay facility.

The role targets a recent graduate or early-career engineer eager to learn, with exposure to SolidWorks/AutoCAD and hands-on testing in a dynamic R&D environment. Remote work options are available within Mossel Bay.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field.
• Hands-on exposure to CAD modeling and basic engineering calculations.
• Interest in product development and R&D with strong attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Assist senior engineers in designing mechanical components and assemblies using CAD software.
• Create 2D/3D models, drawings, and Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Perform basic calculations and simulations under guidance.
• Prototype, test, document observations, and support design validation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including design and manufacturing engineers.
• Help evaluate new materials and technologies and maintain documentation.

Skills

CAD modeling

SolidWorks / AutoCAD

Engineering analysis

Team collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a progressive manufacturer of innovative consumer products and specialized industrial components, is seeking an enthusiastic Junior Mechanical Engineer to join their Product Development team. This role is based in the scenic coastal city of Mossel Bay, Western Cape. You will support senior engineers in the design, development, testing, and refinement of new mechanical products and systems. This is an ideal opportunity for a recent graduate or early‑career engineer looking to gain hands‑on experience in a dynamic R&D environment. You will be involved in CAD modeling, basic analysis, prototyping, and contributing to the overall product innovation process. We are looking for a motivated individual eager to learn and contribute to creating high-quality, market‑leading products from our Mossel Bay facility.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist senior engineers in the design and development of mechanical components and assemblies using CAD software.


• Create 2D and 3D models, technical drawings, and Bills of Materials (BOMs).


• Conduct basic engineering calculations and simulations under guidance.


• Participate in the construction and testing of prototypes, documenting observations and results.


• Support the testing and validation processes for new product designs.


• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including industrial designers and manufacturing engineers.


• Assist in troubleshooting design issues and implementing design improvements.


• Research and evaluate new materials, components, and technologies.


• Maintain organized design documentation and records.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.


• 0-3 years of relevant engineering experience, including internships or co‑op programs.


• Basic proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD).


• Familiarity with mechanical principles and basic engineering analysis.


• Strong desire to learn and develop skills in product development and mechanical design.


• Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving aptitude.


• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team.


• Ability to work effectively in a remote setting, demonstrating self‑management and proactive communication.

Benefits

• Competitive starting salary and benefits package.


• Excellent opportunity for professional growth and mentorship in a fast‑paced R&D environment.


• Exposure to a variety of product development projects.


• A chance to make a tangible impact on new product launches.


• Work remotely from the beautiful Mossel Bay, Western Cape region.


• Contribution to a company committed to innovation and quality.