Lead Mechanical Engineer - Hybrid in Industrial Automation

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Generous leave

Professional development

Advanced engineering tech

Hybrid work

Career advancement

Travel opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer in Cape Town to spearhead industrial automation projects. You will lead a team of engineers, develop CAD designs, and ensure reliable, safe systems.

The role blends hands-on design with client liaison and project leadership in a hybrid Cape Town setting. The ideal candidate will have 8+ years in mechanical engineering with automation/robotics, strong CAD/CAE skills, and proven leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 8 years in mechanical engineering with automation/robotics focus.
• Experience leading engineering teams and managing complex projects.
• Proficiency in CAD tools: Inventor, SolidWorks, Siemens NX; CAE for simulation.
• Strong knowledge of automation, pneumatics, hydraulics and servo systems.
• Ability to manage client relationships and communicate technical information.
• Familiar with project management methodologies and tools.
• Hybrid work model based in Cape Town, Western Cape, ZA.

Responsibilities

• Oversee mechanical design and development of industrial automation systems and robotic applications.
• Lead and mentor a team of mechanical engineers, designers, and technicians, providing technical direction and feedback.
• Develop conceptual designs, detailed drawings, and specifications using CAD software.
• Conduct mechanical analyses (stress, thermal, vibration) for system integrity.
• Collaborate with electrical/control engineers to integrate designs with PLCs.
• Manage project scope, budgets, and schedules for timely delivery.
• Develop and implement testing protocols for prototypes and final systems.
• Interface with clients to define requirements and present design solutions.
• Troubleshoot and resolve mechanical issues during integration and commissioning.
• Ensure designs comply with safety standards and regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Team mentoring

Client communication

Automation concepts

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Inventor

SolidWorks

Siemens NX

CAE tools

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer in Cape Town to spearhead industrial automation projects. You will lead a team of engineers, develop CAD designs, and ensure reliable, safe systems.

The role blends hands-on design with client liaison and project leadership in a hybrid Cape Town setting. The ideal candidate will have 8+ years in mechanical engineering with automation/robotics, strong CAD/CAE skills, and proven leadership.