Junior Mechanical Engineer - R&D

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 210,000 - 340,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship program

Comprehensive training

Career progression

Exposure to cutting-edge development

Scenic location near Paarl

Job summary

Placements24 in Paarl, Western Cape, is seeking a Junior Mechanical Engineer to join our R&D team. This entry-level role supports senior engineers in design, prototyping and testing of new mechanical components, offering hands-on experience and mentorship.

You will work with CAD (SolidWorks), help fabricate prototypes, document test results and contribute to product development in a collaborative, growth-oriented environment near Paarl.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering required.
• 0-3 years of experience in mechanical design or product development (internships count).
• Basic proficiency with 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks).
• Understanding of fundamental mechanical engineering principles.
• Eagerness to learn and adapt to new technologies and challenges.
• Good communication skills and a proactive attitude.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the design and development of new mechanical components and assemblies using CAD software.
• Participate in the fabrication and assembly of prototypes and test rigs.
• Conduct basic mechanical testing and analyze experimental data under supervision.
• Support senior engineers in troubleshooting design issues and implementing improvements.
• Contribute to the creation of technical documentation, including drawings and test reports.
• Collaborate effectively with team members in a dynamic R&D setting.

Skills

CAD proficiency

Communication skills

Proactive attitude

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

Our client is looking for an enthusiastic Junior Mechanical Engineer to join their Research and Development team in Paarl, Western Cape . This role provides an excellent entry point for a recent graduate or early-career engineer to gain hands‑on experience in product innovation and development. You will support senior engineers in the design, prototyping, and testing of new mechanical components and systems, contributing to the company's future product pipeline. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn and grow within a supportive and innovative R&D environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the design and development of new mechanical components and assemblies using CAD software.
• Participate in the fabrication and assembly of prototypes and test rigs.
• Conduct basic mechanical testing and analyze experimental data under supervision.
• Support senior engineers in troubleshooting design issues and implementing improvements.
• Contribute to the creation of technical documentation, including drawings and test reports.
• Collaborate effectively with team members in a dynamic R&D setting.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• 0-3 years of experience in mechanical design or product development (internships count).
• Basic proficiency with 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks).
• Understanding of fundamental mechanical engineering principles.
• Eagerness to learn and adapt to new technologies and challenges.
• Good communication skills and a proactive attitude.

Benefits

• Competitive starting salary and benefits package.
• Comprehensive training and mentorship program.
• Opportunities for career progression within the R&D department.
• Exposure to cutting-edge product development processes.
• Work in a scenic and growing region near Paarl .