Lead Mechanical Design Engineer - Industrial Machinery

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health & retirement benefits

Performance incentives

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Mechanical Design Engineer in Mahikeng, North West to guide the design of heavy industrial machinery and automated equipment. You will lead a team, perform CAD/CAE analyses, and ensure designs meet performance, reliability, and cost targets in a hybrid Mahikeng environment.

Ideal candidates hold a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering with 8+ years of progressive design experience, strong leadership, and proficiency in SolidWorks or Inventor and CAE tools.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in mechanical design engineering, especially heavy machinery or automated equipment.
• Proficiency with CAD software (SolidWorks, Inventor) and CAE tools for simulation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and development of industrial machinery from concept to production drawings.
• Create detailed 3D CAD models and 2D manufacturing drawings.
• Perform engineering analyses (stress, thermal, dynamic) to validate designs.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

CAD/CAE

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

CAE tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent manufacturer of specialized industrial machinery, is seeking a Lead Mechanical Design Engineer to join their engineering department in Mahikeng, North West . This role demands a seasoned professional with extensive experience in the design of complex mechanical systems, including heavy machinery and automated production equipment. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership capabilities, exceptional CAD/CAE skills, and a thorough understanding of manufacturing processes and material science. You will be instrumental in guiding design projects from conception to completion, ensuring optimal performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. This position involves a hybrid work schedule, fostering collaboration and flexibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and development of industrial machinery, from conceptualization to final production drawings.
• Create detailed 3D CAD models, assemblies, and 2D manufacturing drawings using industry-standard software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor).
• Conduct thorough engineering analyses, including stress, strain, thermal, and dynamic analysis, to validate designs.
• Oversee prototype development, testing, and validation processes, ensuring designs meet performance specifications.
• Collaborate closely with manufacturing, electrical engineering, and project management teams to ensure seamless integration and production readiness.
• Specify materials, components, and manufacturing methods, considering cost, availability, and performance requirements.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to a team of mechanical design engineers.
• Ensure all designs comply with relevant industry standards, safety regulations, and client specifications.
• Troubleshoot design-related issues encountered during manufacturing, assembly, and field operation.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design tools, processes, and documentation standards.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in mechanical design engineering, with a significant focus on heavy industrial machinery or automated equipment.
• Proven expertise in CAD software (SolidWorks, Inventor, or similar) and CAE tools for simulation.
• Strong understanding of machine dynamics, kinematics, stress analysis, and material science.
• Experience with various manufacturing processes, including machining, fabrication, casting, and welding.
• Excellent leadership, project management, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, balancing on-site and remote responsibilities.
• Experience in the Mahikeng, North West region or similar industrial hubs is advantageous.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical capabilities.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health and retirement benefits, and performance incentives.
• This role provides significant opportunities for professional development, exposure to advanced manufacturing technologies, and career advancement within a respected organization.
• Employees will experience a dynamic and collaborative work environment.
• The hybrid work model in Mahikeng, North West ensures a balance between collaborative team interaction and personal work flexibility.
• Additional benefits include generous paid time off, wellness programs, and opportunities for further education and training.
• Our client is dedicated to employee growth and well-being.