Lead Mechanical Engineer - Product Development

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Hybrid work model

Medical and retirement benefits

Leadership development

Job summary

Placements24 in Welkom, South Africa seeks a seasoned Lead Mechanical Engineer specializing in Product Development to guide a team of engineers in bringing innovative mechanical products to market. This leadership role demands strong project management, CAD/CAE expertise, and a passion for mentoring talent.

The role offers a hybrid work model and opportunities to shape product direction within a progressive organization.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years in mechanical product development with at least 3 years in leadership.
• Proven CAD/CAE design and analysis expertise.
• Solid understanding of manufacturing processes and DFM principles.
• Strong leadership and ability to mentor teams and drive goals.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of mechanical engineers through the product development lifecycle.
• Oversee design, prototyping, testing, and validation of new products.
• Define product requirements, specs, and project roadmaps with product management.
• Ensure designs are manufacturable, cost-effective, and compliant with standards.
• Implement design and QA best practices within the team.
• Resolve complex technical challenges and drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

CAD/CAE

Project management

Communication

Mentoring

DFM

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD/CAE tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a seasoned Lead Mechanical Engineer specialising in Product Development to join their esteemed team in Welkom. This leadership role demands a blend of technical expertise, project management acumen, and a passion for innovation. You will guide a team of engineers in designing and bringing new mechanical products to market, ensuring they meet the highest standards of quality, performance, and user experience. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape product direction and mentor engineering talent within a progressive organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of mechanical engineers throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Oversee the design, prototyping, testing, and validation of new mechanical products.
• Define product requirements, technical specifications, and project roadmaps in collaboration with product management.
• Ensure designs are manufacturable, cost-effective, and comply with all relevant industry standards and regulations.
• Implement best practices for design, documentation, and quality assurance within the engineering team.
• Resolve complex technical challenges and drive continuous improvement in product design and development processes.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in mechanical product development, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Proven expertise in CAD/CAE tools and methodologies for design and analysis.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, materials selection, and DFM (Design for Manufacturing) principles.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate engineering teams to achieve ambitious goals.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with significant performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility and work-life integration.
• Be part of a company at the forefront of technological advancement.