Lead Industrial Design Engineer

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Retirement plan

Professional development allowance

Hybrid work model

Collaborative culture

Travel to trade shows

Prototyping facilities access

Job summary

Placements24 in Pretoria is seeking a Lead Industrial Design Engineer to guide a team through concept development to production handover. You will shape innovative products, mentor designers and engineers, and collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing teams to ensure feasibility and manufacturability.

You will conduct user research, select materials, and create detailed design documentation while staying current with industry trends and technologies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering with a design focus.
• 7+ years in industrial design with at least 2 years in a lead or supervisory role.
• Strong portfolio of innovative product designs and problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Lead the industrial design process from concept to final production handover.
• Mentor and manage designers and engineers, fostering collaboration.
• Develop concepts, sketches, renderings, and prototypes to refine designs.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing engineers for feasibility.
• Conduct user research and market analysis to identify opportunities.
• Select materials and manufacturing processes considering cost and sustainability.
• Create 3D models, renderings, and technical specifications.
• Present concepts to stakeholders with clear design rationale.
• Stay updated on design trends and emerging technologies.

Skills

Leadership

Industrial design

Product design

Sketching

Visualization

Team management

User-centered design

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Industrial Design or Mechanical Engineering with a design focus

Tools

SolidWorks

Rhino

KeyShot

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a talented and experienced Lead Industrial Design Engineer to join their innovative product development team in Pretoria, Gauteng. This pivotal role involves leading the conceptualization, design, and development of new products, ensuring they meet market demands, functional requirements, and aesthetic standards. You will guide a team of designers and engineers, fostering creativity and ensuring technical feasibility throughout the product lifecycle. This position requires a unique blend of artistic vision, engineering acumen, and leadership skills. The ideal candidate will have a strong portfolio showcasing successful product designs and a deep understanding of manufacturing processes and materials. This Hybrid role offers the flexibility to balance collaborative design sessions with focused individual work.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the industrial design process from concept generation through to final product specification and production handover.
• Mentor and manage a team of industrial designers and engineers, providing technical guidance and fostering a collaborative environment.
• Develop innovative product concepts, sketching, rendering, and prototyping to visualize and refine designs.
• Collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing engineers to ensure design feasibility and manufacturability.
• Conduct user research and market analysis to identify design opportunities and user needs.
• Select appropriate materials and manufacturing processes, considering cost, performance, and sustainability.
• Create detailed design documentation, including 3D models, renderings, and technical specifications.
• Present design concepts and solutions to stakeholders, effectively communicating the rationale and benefits.
• Stay current with design trends, emerging technologies, and competitive product offerings.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering with a design focus, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in industrial design, with at least 2 years in a lead or supervisory role.
• A strong portfolio demonstrating a wide range of innovative product designs and problem-solving capabilities.
• Proficiency in industry-standard design software such as SolidWorks, Rhino, Keyshot, and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Deep understanding of manufacturing processes (injection molding, CNC machining, etc.) and material science.
• Excellent aesthetic judgment, strong sketching and visualization skills.
• Proven leadership and team management experience.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in user-centered design methodologies.

Benefits

• Attractive annual salary of R .
• Comprehensive medical and dental insurance.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Generous allowance for professional development and training.
• Hybrid work model for work-life balance.
• Collaborative and innovative work culture.
• Opportunities for travel to industry trade shows.
• Access to advanced design and prototyping facilities.