Lead Mechanical Design Engineer - Consumer Electronics

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,100,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus program

Health Insurance

Stock options

Professional development

R&D facilities

Employee discounts

Company vision

Job summary

Placements24 in Randburg, Gauteng, seeks a Lead Mechanical Design Engineer to drive product development from concept through mass production. You will lead a team, guide design decisions, and ensure aesthetically pleasing, manufacturable consumer electronic devices.

The ideal candidate brings 7+ years in ME design, expertise in 3D CAD, materials, DFM/DFA, and thermal management, with a track record in consumer electronics product development.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of hands-on mechanical design experience in consumer electronics.
• Experience leading engineering teams and managing complex projects.
• Expertise with 3D CAD and FEA/CFD analysis.
• Knowledge of plastics, metals, and manufacturing processes like injection molding.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design of consumer electronic products from concept to mass production.
• Mentor and manage a team of mechanical design engineers.
• Develop and refine 3D CAD models and 2D drawings (SolidWorks, Creo).
• Perform stress, thermal, vibration, and drop testing simulations.
• Collaborate with industrial designers and cross-functional teams for integration.
• Optimize designs for DFM and DFA with manufacturing partners.
• Stay updated on materials and manufacturing trends.

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly growing innovator in the consumer electronics space, is seeking an accomplished Lead Mechanical Design Engineer to spearhead their product development efforts in Randburg, Gauteng . This role is crucial for driving the mechanical design of next-generation consumer electronic devices, from initial concept through to mass production. You will lead a team of talented engineers, guide design decisions, and ensure the creation of aesthetically pleasing, highly functional, and manufacturable products. The ideal candidate will possess a blend of creative design flair, deep technical expertise in materials, DFM/DFA, thermal management, and a proven track record in product development cycles. Join a dynamic and fast-paced environment where you can significantly influence product innovation and shape the future of consumer technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design of innovative consumer electronic products, including mobile devices, wearables, and home appliances.


• Oversee the entire product development lifecycle, from concept generation and feasibility studies to detailed design, prototyping, and mass production readiness.


• Manage and mentor a team of mechanical design engineers, providing technical direction and fostering a collaborative design culture.


• Develop and refine 3D CAD models and 2D drawings using industry-standard software (e.g., SolidWorks, Creo).


• Conduct rigorous mechanical analysis, including stress, thermal, vibration, and drop testing simulations.


• Collaborate closely with industrial designers to ensure aesthetic requirements are met while maintaining design integrity.


• Work with cross-functional teams, including electrical engineering, software, firmware, and operations, to ensure seamless product integration.


• Optimize designs for Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA), working closely with manufacturing partners.


• Stay informed about the latest trends in materials, manufacturing technologies, and consumer electronics design.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.


• Minimum of 7 years of experience in mechanical design, with a strong focus on consumer electronics product development.


• Proven experience leading engineering teams and managing complex product development projects.


• Expertise in 3D CAD software and a strong understanding of FEA and CFD tools.


• Deep knowledge of materials commonly used in consumer electronics (plastics, metals, composites) and their associated manufacturing processes (injection molding, die casting, CNC machining).


• Familiarity with thermal management solutions for compact electronic devices.


• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills.


• Experience with rapid prototyping techniques and experimental validation.


• A portfolio showcasing successful consumer electronics product designs is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonus structure.


• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.


• Generous stock options and long-term incentive plans.


• Opportunities for professional development and attending leading industry conferences.


• State-of-the-art R&D facilities and collaborative work environment in Randburg .


• Product discounts and other employee perks.


• Be part of a cutting-edge company shaping the future of consumer technology.