Lead Mechanical Engineer - Industrial Machinery

Placements24; George; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Attractive salary with performance‑drn

Medical and retirement benefits

International training opportunities

Relocation assistance

Company-provided vehicle

Generous annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer in George, Western Cape to guide the design of heavy industrial machinery from concept through production. You will lead a team of engineers and draftsmen, ensuring robust, efficient equipment and compliant documentation.

The role requires a strong leadership track record, expert mechanical design and analysis skills, and a deep understanding of manufacturing processes. International training opportunities and relocation support may be provided.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in mechanical engineering with leadership experience.
• Design of heavy industrial equipment (mining, agricultural, manufacturing automation).
• Experience in manufacturing environments.
• Strong CAD/FEA proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design and development from concept to production.
• Provide technical direction and mentorship to engineers and draftsmen.
• Perform stress, thermal, and vibration analyses.
• Develop and review drawings, specs, and docs.
• Ensure compliance with safety regs and standards.
• Collaborate with project managers, electrical engineers, and production teams.
• Identify design improvements and cost reductions.
• Manage timelines, budgets, and resources for design projects.
• Present designs to senior management.
• Conduct root-cause analysis for design failures and implement fixes.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Mentorship

Communication

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Inventor

SolidWorks

FEA tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent manufacturer of heavy industrial machinery, is looking for an experienced and results-oriented Lead Mechanical Engineer to join their established team in George, Western Cape . This senior position requires a strategic thinker with a proven track record in leading design projects from concept to completion. You will be responsible for overseeing a team of engineers and designers, ensuring the development of robust, efficient, and reliable industrial equipment. The ideal candidate possesses strong leadership qualities, exceptional technical expertise in mechanical design and analysis, and a deep understanding of manufacturing processes. This is a critical role that demands innovation and a commitment to delivering high-quality engineering solutions that meet the evolving needs of our client's diverse customer base.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and development of new industrial machinery, from initial concept through to production.
• Provide technical direction and mentorship to a team of mechanical engineers and draftsmen.
• Perform complex mechanical calculations and simulations, including stress analysis, thermal analysis, and vibration studies.
• Develop and review detailed engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety regulations, industry standards, and client requirements.
• Collaborate with project managers, electrical engineers, and production teams to ensure seamless project execution.
• Identify opportunities for design improvements and cost reductions in existing product lines.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resource allocation for design initiatives.
• Present technical designs and project updates to senior management and stakeholders.
• Conduct root cause analysis for design-related failures and implement effective solutions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in mechanical engineering, with at least 3 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Extensive experience in designing heavy industrial equipment, such as mining machinery, agricultural equipment, or manufacturing automation systems.
• Advanced proficiency in CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, Inventor, SolidWorks) and FEA tools.
• Solid understanding of materials, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and machine dynamics.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate engineering teams.
• Excellent project management skills, with experience in managing complex engineering projects.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate technical concepts clearly.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment is highly desirable.
• Must be legally authorized to work in George, Western Cape .

Benefits

• Attractive salary package with performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement fund benefits.
• Opportunities for international training and development.
• Relocation assistance may be provided for qualified candidates.
• Access to cutting-edge technology and a collaborative research environment.
• Company-provided vehicle for business use.
• Generous annual leave and public holiday provisions.