Lead Mechanical Engineer

Triz Engineering Solutions; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Triz Engineering Solutions is seeking a Lead Engineer (Mechanical Design) to steer and optimize our mechanical design operations. You will lead a team, interface with customers, manage project timelines, and ensure designs meet specifications and standards.

You will perform CAD design tasks, maintain PDM data, and drive design reviews with internal teams and suppliers. Travel may be required; a strong focus on detail, leadership, and communication is essential.

Qualifications

• BEng, BSc or BTech in Mechanical or Mechatronics Engineering (15+ years post-graduate design experience preferred).
• Willing to travel overseas for variable periods as needed.
• Strong written and verbal English communication; attention to detail and task management.
• Experience in automotive engineering development or similar preferred; ability to leverage AI-enabled tools for design governance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and guide a high-performing mechanical design team.
• Interface with customers to understand project requirements and allocate design resources.
• Manage project timelines to milestones and communicate deviations.
• Organize internal and external design reviews to validate technical soundness and compliance.
• Execute CAD design tasks (3D modelling, 2D drawings) and maintain product data in PDM systems.
• Provide production support and handle administrative duties including performance reviews.

Skills

Willing to travel

Attention to detail

Task management

English communication

AI-enabled tooling

Education

BEng / BSc / BTech in Mechanical or Mechatronics

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Triz Engineering Solutions is looking for a Lead Engineer (Mechanical Design) to form part of our engineering team, with the ability to fit into the DNA of our company culture that is dynamic and embraces change. Apart from a contained and well-rounded person with a high EQ level, he/she will be required to deal with complexity in a fast-paced environment. The person needs to be a self-starter with attention to detail and bring positive energy to the work environment, with a willingness to excel in their role.

Triz Engineering Solutions (www.trizengineering.com) is a product engineering and development company dedicated exclusively to the commercial vehicle industry.

We specialize in end-to-end engineering for medium- and heavy-duty platforms, from concept and feasibility through productionization and compliance. Our expertise spans zero-emission (battery electric, fuel cell), hybrid, and conventional powertrains, as well as advanced vehicle technologies including ADAS, autonomy, and connectivity.

Our work focuses on high-integration, high-value systems for applications such as delivery, bus, motorhome, refuse, off-highway, and other vocational markets. Triz delivers launch-ready, validated solutions that help OEMs move from plan to product with speed, certainty, and zero surprises.

Job Summary

To lead and optimize mechanical design operations at Triz Engineering Solutions, ensuring exceptional project delivery, effective team management, and alignment with customer expectations and industry standards.

Requirements

Qualifications, Experience and Skills:

• B Eng, B.Sc or B.Tech degree in Mechanical or Mechatronics Engineering
• 15+ years of post-graduate engineering design experience, preferably in the automotive design environment
• Be willing to travel overseas for variable periods depending on the needs at that time.
• Experience in automotive engineering development or similar preferred
• Attention to detail
• Excellent in task management
• Ability to work under pressure
• Good Written and Verbal Communication (English)
• Computer literacy with advanced Microsoft Excel skills
• Demonstrated capability in leveraging AI-enabled engineering and digital tools to support mechanical design governance, design review effectiveness, engineering data integrity, resource optimisation, and compliance assurance across complex commercial vehicle development programmes.

Responsibilities

Team Leadership and Technical Guidance:

• Develop and lead a high-performing mechanical design team.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to design engineers.

Customer Interface and Resource Utilization:

• Interface with customers to understand project requirements and prioritize design resources accordingly.
• Efficiently delegate tasks to engineering personnel based on project demands.

Project Management and Compliance:

• Manage project timelines to achieve milestones and communicate proactively about deviations.
• Ensure designs comply with customer specifications and engineering standards.

Design Reviews and Integration:

• Organize and lead internal design reviews to validate technical soundness and compliance.
• Conduct design reviews with customers and suppliers to ensure alignment with project objectives.

CAD Design and Product Data Management (PDM):

• Execute CAD design tasks, including 3D modeling and creation of 2D drawings.
• Maintain accurate product data within customer PDM systems.

Production Support and Administrative Excellence:

• Provide support for custom order engineering requests and prioritize project tasks.
• Execute administrative duties including performance reviews and documentation.

Team Performance and Development:

• Achievement of team goals and objectives.
• Employee satisfaction and professional growth within the team.

Customer Satisfaction and Project Success:

• Positive feedback from customers on project deliverables.
• Meeting or exceeding customer expectations on design quality and timelines.

Project Timeliness and Resource Efficiency:

• Adherence to project schedules and milestone completion.
• Optimal utilization of design resources to minimize project delays.

Design Quality and Compliance Metrics:

• Reduction in design-related issues and rework.
• Compliance with customer specifications and industry standards.

Effective Design Review Processes:

• Successful outcomes of internal and customer design reviews.
• Improvement in design accuracy and alignment with project requirements.

CAD Design Efficiency and Data Management:

• Timely completion of CAD design tasks with high accuracy.
• Efficient management of product data within PDM systems.

Skills Development Objectives:

Enhanced Planning and Leadership Skills:

• Participation in leadership development programs.
• Implementation of advanced planning strategies to optimize team performance.

Continuous Improvement and Technical Excellence:

• Commitment to ongoing skill development in automotive engineering and CAD design.
• Adoption of best practices to enhance design quality and project management.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted

Disclaimer:

By submitting your application, you acknowledge and consent that Triz Engineering Solutions may use artificial intelligence tools (“AI Tools”) as part of its recruitment and selection process. These tools are used to support, not replace, human decision-making, and are intended to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our recruitment process.

We may use AI tools to help screen applications, match candidates to roles, and manage recruitment data. All applications are reviewed by our recruitment team, and your personal information will be handled in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (“POPIA”). You may withdraw your consent at any time by contacting [e-mail]