Junior Mechanical Engineer - R&D

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship from experienced engineers

Comprehensive medical aid

Retirement savings plan

Paid annual leave and holidays

Job summary

Placements24 in Upington, Northern Cape, seeks a motivated Junior Mechanical Engineer to join our client’s R&D team. You’ll support senior engineers in designing, prototyping, and testing new concepts in a cutting-edge environment, gaining hands-on experience and broad exposure to materials and applications.

You will work with CAD tools, perform basic calculations, document results, and collaborate across disciplines to advance new product lines while adhering to lab safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• 0–3 years of relevant experience, including academic projects or internships.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks or AutoCAD.
• Willingness to learn and apply new engineering concepts.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities.

Responsibilities

• Assist senior engineers in designing and developing mechanical components and prototypes.
• Use CAD to create and modify 2D drawings and 3D models.
• Assemble, test, and validate prototypes; document procedures and results.
• Perform basic engineering calculations and simulations to support designs.
• Support failure analysis and troubleshooting for experiments.
• Research new materials, technologies, and methodologies.
• Collaborate with researchers and technicians to meet R&D goals.
• Maintain lab notebooks and data records; follow safety protocols.
• Participate in brainstorming sessions for Upington-based R&D team.

Skills

Analytical skills

Teamwork

Communication

Willingness to learn

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Job description

About the Role Our client, an innovative technology firm specializing in advanced materials and applications, is actively seeking a motivated Junior Mechanical Engineer to join their Research and Development team. This role is based in Upington, Northern Cape . The Junior Mechanical Engineer will support senior engineers in the design, development, and testing of new mechanical concepts and prototypes. This is an exceptional opportunity for an early-career professional to gain hands‑on experience in a cutting‑edge R&D environment, contributing to projects that push the boundaries of technology. The ideal candidate possesses a strong academic foundation in mechanical engineering, a passion for innovation, and a keen desire to learn and grow. You will work closely with experienced professionals, contributing to problem-solving and the advancement of new product lines within our client's dynamic R&D department located in the Northern Cape .

Key Responsibilities

• Assist senior engineers in the design and development of new mechanical components, systems, and prototypes.
• Utilize CAD software for creating and modifying 2D drawings and 3D models under guidance.
• Participate in the assembly, testing, and validation of prototypes, meticulously documenting procedures and results.
• Conduct basic engineering calculations and simulations to support design decisions.
• Support failure analysis and troubleshooting efforts for experimental setups and prototypes.
• Research new materials, technologies, and methodologies to enhance product development.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including researchers and technicians, to achieve R&D objectives.
• Maintain accurate and organized R&D documentation, lab notebooks, and data records.
• Adhere to laboratory safety protocols and best practices.
• Contribute to brainstorming sessions and innovation workshops for the Upington -based R&D team.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• 0-3 years of relevant experience, including academic projects or internships.
• Proficiency in at least one major CAD software package (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD).
• Basic understanding of mechanical principles, including statics, dynamics, and materials science.
• Eagerness to learn and apply new engineering concepts and techniques.
• Good analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
• Familiarity with lab equipment and testing procedures is a plus.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa .

Benefits

• Competitive entry-level salary with potential for performance-based increases.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement savings plan.
• Mentorship from experienced engineers and opportunities for skill development.
• Exposure to exciting R&D projects and innovative technologies.
• Supportive and collaborative team environment.
• Paid annual leave and company holidays.
• Opportunities to attend relevant workshops and industry events.