Junior Mechanical / Mechatronic Engineer

Jenrec Recruitment; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A specialized engineering recruitment agency is seeking a Mechanical Engineer with 0-3 years of experience in Centurion, South Africa. This role involves designing mechanical systems for Electro-Optical products, requiring a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and proficiency in 3D CAD software. The position offers exposure to full product development lifecycle and the chance to work on advanced technologies in a collaborative environment.

Benefits

International exposure

Career growth opportunities

Work with multidisciplinary teams

Qualifications

• 0–3 years of mechanical design experience including academic or project work.
• Understanding of thermal management and ruggedised design.
• Exposure to optomechanical systems is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components for advanced EO systems.
• Perform thermal and structural analysis for designs.
• Generate and manage 3D CAD models and technical documentation.

Skills

3D CAD software proficiency

Strong communication skills

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Creo

Job description

SUMMARY

My client is seeking a Mechanical Engineer (0–3 years' experience) to join their specialist engineering team based in Centurion, South Africa.

This opportunity is ideal for a recent graduate or early-career engineer looking to contribute to advanced, mission‑critical technologies in the defense and aerospace domain.

POSITION INFO

The company is part of an international defence group headquartered in Abu Dhabi, focused on the development of Electro‑Optical (EO) systems for land, naval, and airborne applications.

The Centurion office functions as an engineering design hub, delivering ITAR‑free, high‑performance EO solutions tailored to operational needs across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and other global markets.

Role Overview

The successful candidate will play a key role in the design, analysis, and integration of precision mechanical systems for EO products that must perform in rugged and demanding environments.

This role offers exposure to the full product development lifecycle, working within a multidisciplinary team of engineers across optics, electronics, software, and systems integration.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and assemblies for advanced EO systems.
• Perform thermal, structural, and tolerance analysis for robust and reliable design.
• Generate and manage 3D CAD models, technical drawings, and manufacturing documentation.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams to support system‑level integration and testing.
• Assist in prototyping, validation, and qualification of mechanical subsystems for field deployment.

Candidate Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering (BEng or equivalent) – Essential.
• 0–3 years of mechanical design experience, including academic or project work.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Creo, or similar).
• Understanding of thermal management, material selection, and ruggedised design.
• Exposure to optomechanical systems or high‑precision assemblies is an advantage.
• Strong communication and analytical skills.
• South African citizenship or valid work permit required.

Why This Role?

• Be part of a globally active defence technology group with international exposure.
• Work on high‑performance EO systems used in real‑world operational environments.
• Join a tight‑knit, multidisciplinary engineering team solving complex challenges.
• Take part in full lifecycle development, from concept to deployment.
• Grow your career in a technically demanding and meaningful industry.