Lead Mechanical Engineer - Industrial Machinery

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement fund contribution

Performance bonuses and incentives

Training and certifications

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer for our client in Tembisa, Gauteng. You will lead the mechanical design and development of heavy industrial machinery, drive engineering excellence, and mentor a team of engineers from concept through delivery.

You will oversee CAD/CAE workflows, perform stress/thermal analyses, and ensure compliance with safety and industry standards while collaborating with project managers and manufacturing teams to define scope and deliverables.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field.
• At least 10 years of relevant experience in mechanical engineering, with supervisory leadership.
• Extensive experience in design of heavy industrial machinery/automation equipment.
• Proficiency in CAD/CAE tools and strong material selection knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design and development of industrial machinery, ensuring performance, safety, and regulatory standards.
• Mentor and guide a team of mechanical engineers; provide technical direction and professional development.
• Oversee CAD/CAE workflows; validate complex mechanical designs.
• Perform stress, thermal, and vibration analyses to optimize design integrity.
• Collaborate with project managers, manufacturing teams, and clients to define scope and deliverables.
• Develop and maintain engineering documentation, schematics, and specifications.
• Identify and implement design improvements for efficiency, reliability, and cost reduction.
• Troubleshoot complex mechanical issues during design, manufacturing, or field operations.

Skills

Team leadership

Project management

Analytical thinking

Engineering analysis

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Inventor

SolidWorks

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent manufacturer of specialized industrial machinery, is seeking an experienced and visionary Lead Mechanical Engineer to spearhead their design and development initiatives in Tembisa, Gauteng. This leadership role is critical in driving innovation and ensuring the successful execution of complex projects from inception through to final delivery. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of mechanical principles, a passion for engineering excellence, and the ability to mentor and guide a team of talented engineers. You will be responsible for overseeing the design of robust and efficient machinery that meets the demanding requirements of various industrial sectors. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of industrial automation and make a significant impact within a well-established organization. We are committed to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and technical mastery.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and development of industrial machinery, ensuring adherence to performance, safety, and regulatory standards.
• Manage and mentor a team of mechanical engineers, providing technical direction, feedback, and professional development opportunities.
• Oversee the creation and validation of complex mechanical designs using advanced CAD/CAE software.
• Conduct in-depth performance analysis, including stress, thermal, and vibration analysis to optimize design integrity.
• Collaborate with project managers, manufacturing teams, and clients to define project scope, requirements, and deliverables.
• Develop and maintain detailed engineering documentation, including schematics, technical specifications, and user manuals.
• Identify and implement innovative design solutions to improve product efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex mechanical issues encountered during design, manufacturing, or field operation.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the mechanical engineering department.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• At least 10 years of relevant experience in mechanical engineering, with a significant portion in a lead or supervisory capacity.
• Extensive experience in the design of heavy industrial machinery, automation equipment, or similar complex mechanical systems.
• Expert proficiency in CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, Inventor, SolidWorks) and CAE tools.
• Strong knowledge of material selection, fabrication processes, and mechatronics integration.
• Proven ability to manage complex engineering projects and lead technical teams.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to liaunt effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Familiarity with industry-specific standards and best practices in Tembisa, Gauteng industrial settings is a plus.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package, reflecting the seniority and responsibility of the role.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous contribution to a retirement fund.
• Performance-based bonuses and incentives.
• Opportunities for advanced training and certifications.
• Relocation assistance may be provided for qualified candidates.
• Access to cutting-edge technology and a supportive work environment.