Lead Mechanical Engineer

Triz Engineering Solutions; Durbanville; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Triz Engineering Solutions in Durbanville is seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer (Mechanical Design) to spearhead the mechanical design team and oversee end-to-end development for commercial vehicle platforms. The role emphasizes leadership, design governance, and collaboration with customers and suppliers to meet project objectives.

The ideal candidate brings extensive automotive design experience, proficiency in CAD/PDM, and a track record of delivering design-for-production outcomes in a

Qualifications

• BEng, BSc or BTech in Mechanical/Mechatronics Engineering.
• 15+ years of post-graduate engineering design experience, preferably in automotive design.
• Willingness to travel overseas for variable periods as needed.
• Excellent task management capabilities.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Strong written and verbal English communication.
• Advanced Excel skills.
• Experience leveraging AI-enabled engineering and digital tools for design governance and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead a high-performing mechanical design team.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to design engineers.
• Interface with customers to understand project requirements and prioritize design resources.
• Delegate tasks to engineering personnel based on project demands.
• Manage project timelines and communicate deviations.
• Ensure designs comply with customer specifications and industry standards.
• Organize and lead internal design reviews and align with customers/suppliers.
• Execute CAD design tasks and maintain product data in PDM systems.
• Support production and perform administrative tasks including performance reviews.

Skills

15+ years post-grad experience

Overseas travel

Task management

Under pressure

English communication

Excel skills

AI-enabled design tools

Education

BEng / BSc / B.Tech in Mechanical or Mechatronics

Tools

CAD design tools

PDM systems

Job description

Ready for a new challenge? We're hiring a Lead Mechanical Engineer in Durbanville.

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.
• 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]