Junior Mechanical Engineer - R&D Support

Placements24; Benoni; On-site; ZAR 67,000 - 89,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Junior Mechanical Engineer for our Benoni, Gauteng R&D support team. This entry-level role supports senior engineers in design tasks, prototype development, and testing, while enabling hands-on experience in a dynamic engineering environment.

The ideal candidate recently graduated or has up to 2 years of experience in mechanical engineering, with a solid grounding in CAD (SolidWorks, AutoCAD) and a proactive, collaborative mindset to learn quickly on the job.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field.
• Recent graduate or up to 2 years of experience in mechanical engineering.
• Basic understanding of mechanical design principles and CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD).
• Familiarity with engineering testing procedures and equipment is a plus.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Eagerness to learn and a proactive attitude.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist senior mechanical engineers in the design and development of new products and systems.
• Support the fabrication and assembly of prototypes for R&D projects.
• Conduct basic mechanical testing and data collection under supervision.
• Prepare technical documentation, including reports, drawings, and presentations.
• Perform literature reviews and research on relevant engineering topics.
• Help troubleshoot and resolve basic engineering issues encountered during testing.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure a safe working environment.
• Collaborate with team members to achieve project objectives.
• Learn and apply new engineering tools and technologies.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication

Team collaboration

Willingness to learn

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking company specializing in innovative engineering solutions, is looking for an enthusiastic Junior Mechanical Engineer to join their Research and Development (R&D) support team in Benoni, Gauteng . This is an excellent entry-level opportunity for a recent graduate to gain hands‑on experience in a dynamic engineering environment. You will support senior engineers in various R&D projects, assist with design tasks, prototype development, and testing procedures. The role requires a strong foundational understanding of mechanical engineering principles, a keen interest in innovation, and the ability to learn quickly. Join a company that invests in its employees and offers a stimulating environment to kickstart your engineering career in Benoni .

Key Responsibilities

• Assist senior mechanical engineers in the design and development of new products and systems.
• Support the fabrication and assembly of prototypes for R&D projects.
• Conduct basic mechanical testing and data collection under supervision.
• Prepare technical documentation, including reports, drawings, and presentations.
• Perform literature reviews and research on relevant engineering topics.
• Help troubleshoot and resolve basic engineering issues encountered during testing.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure a safe working environment.
• Collaborate with team members to achieve project objectives.
• Learn and apply new engineering tools and technologies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Recent graduate or up to 2 years of experience in mechanical engineering.
• Basic understanding of mechanical design principles and CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD).
• Familiarity with engineering testing procedures and equipment is a plus.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Eagerness to learn and a proactive attitude.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Must be based in or able to commute to Benoni, Gauteng for this on‑site position.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive internship stipend, opportunities for mentorship and professional development, and exposure to a wide range of engineering projects. This role provides a solid foundation for a career in mechanical engineering. We are committed to nurturing talent and providing a supportive and innovative work environment for our interns.