Lead Mechanical Engineer - Advanced Manufacturing

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 950,000 - 1,250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Performance-based bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town seeks a Lead Mechanical Engineer to spearhead development of automated production machinery. Based in Cape Town with a hybrid work model, this role leads design teams, defines technical direction, and ensures successful execution of complex projects.

The ideal candidate has a Master's in Mechanical Engineering, 10+ years in mechanical engineering with leadership experience, strong CAD (SolidWorks/Inventor) and FEA tools, and excellent project management and

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering required.
• 10+ years in mechanical engineering with leadership experience.
• Proven ability to lead design and manufacturing projects across teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership to a team of mechanical engineers in automated systems.
• Oversee end-to-end design lifecycle from concept to production release.
• Develop advanced mechanical designs using CAD and validate with FEA.
• Collaborate with electrical, controls, and software teams.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resource allocation.
• Champion DFMA and manufacturing-process knowledge.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

ANSYS

CFD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in advanced manufacturing solutions, is seeking a talented and driven Lead Mechanical Engineer to spearhead the development of innovative production machinery. This role is based in the vibrant city of Cape Town, Western Cape, ZA , and offers a hybrid work model, combining the benefits of in-office collaboration with remote flexibility. You will play a pivotal role in defining the technical direction, overseeing design processes, and ensuring the successful execution of complex mechanical engineering projects. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of mechanical principles, extensive experience with sophisticated design tools, and a passion for pushing the boundaries of manufacturing technology. As a lead engineer, you will mentor a team of engineers, foster a culture of innovation, and contribute significantly to our client's ongoing success in the global market.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and guidance to a team of mechanical engineers in the design and development of automated manufacturing systems.
• Oversee the entire design lifecycle, from concept generation and feasibility studies to detailed design, prototyping, and production release.
• Develop and implement advanced mechanical designs using CAD software such as SolidWorks or Inventor, ensuring adherence to industry standards and project requirements.
• Perform in-depth engineering analyses, including stress, thermal, and vibration analyses, using tools like ANSYS or similar FEA software.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including electrical, controls, and software engineers to ensure seamless integration of mechanical systems with other disciplines.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources effectively to ensure on-time and within-budget project delivery.
• Champion best practices in mechanical design, DFMA (Design for Manufacturing and Assembly), and risk assessment.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends in automation and manufacturing, and integrate them into future designs.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering, with at least 3 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Proven expertise in designing complex machinery, automation systems, or similar industrial equipment.
• Advanced proficiency in 3D CAD software and experience with PDM/PLM systems.
• Strong capabilities in engineering analysis tools (FEA, CFD).
• In-depth knowledge of manufacturing processes, materials, and tolerances.
• Excellent project management skills, with a demonstrated ability to lead teams and manage complex projects.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with hybrid work environments and collaborating with distributed teams.
• Knowledge of PLC programming and control systems is advantageous.

Benefits

This hybrid role offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid, a retirement fund, and performance-based bonuses. Our client provides a stimulating work environment with opportunities for professional growth, continuous training, and exposure to cutting-edge technologies in advanced manufacturing. Enjoy the flexibility of a hybrid work setup, allowing for a healthy work-life balance. You will be part of a forward-thinking company that values innovation and teamwork, with a strong presence in Cape Town, Western Cape, ZA . Access to state-of-the-art facilities and a supportive management team are also key advantages of this role.