Mechanical Design & Development Engineer

Placements24; Kempton Park; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Annual bonus

Stock options

Health insurance

Retirement planning

Growth opportunities

R&D facilities access

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Mechanical Design & Development Engineer for its R&D team in the Tembisa area. You will drive concept-to-production design, craft 3D models, perform analyses, and develop prototypes to validate ideas for market-ready solutions.

You will collaborate with electronics and software teams, evaluate materials, and help transition products to manufacturing in a dynamic, cutting-edge environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 4+ years of experience in mechanical design and product development.
• Expertise in 3D CAD tools (SolidWorks, Inventor) and PDM systems.
• Proficiency in prototyping methods (3D printing, CNC machining).
• Strong understanding of material science and manufacturing processes.
• Excellent problem-solving and innovative thinking.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and development process from concept through production.
• Use advanced CAD tools for 3D modeling, drafting, and assembly design.
• Perform stress, thermal, and dynamic analyses to validate designs.
• Develop, test, and iterate prototypes based on performance feedback.
• Collaborate with electronics, software, and marketing to define requirements.
• Evaluate new materials and manufacturing technologies for improvements.
• Prepare design documentation including BOMs, specs, and test reports.
• Troubleshoot design issues and support manufacturing transition.

Skills

Mechanical design

3D CAD

FEA

Prototyping

Cross-functional

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

BEng/BE in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

PDM systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking company at the forefront of technological innovation, is seeking a talented Mechanical Design & Development Engineer to join their R&D team in Tembisa. This role is essential for the conceptualization, design, prototyping, and testing of novel mechanical products and systems. The ideal candidate will possess strong creative skills, a deep understanding of mechanical principles, and hands-on experience with rapid prototyping techniques and product validation. You will be instrumental in transforming innovative ideas into tangible, market-ready solutions. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking developments within the technologically vibrant Tembisa area.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and development process from concept through to production.
• Utilize advanced CAD tools for 3D modeling, drafting, and assembly design.
• Conduct detailed engineering analyses, including stress, thermal, and dynamic simulations.
• Develop and test prototypes, iterating designs based on performance feedback.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (electronics, software, marketing) to define product requirements.
• Identify and evaluate new materials and manufacturing technologies for product enhancement.
• Prepare comprehensive design documentation, including BOMs, specifications, and test reports.
• Troubleshoot design challenges and implement effective solutions.
• Support product launch and ensure smooth transition to manufacturing.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in mechanical design and product development.
• Expertise in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor) and PDM systems.
• Proficiency in FEA and other simulation tools for design validation.
• Hands-on experience with prototyping methods (e.g., 3D printing, CNC machining).
• Strong understanding of material science and manufacturing processes.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and innovative thinking.
• Effective communication and presentation abilities.
• Experience in mechatronics or embedded systems is a plus.

Benefits

• A competitive salary package, commensurate with skills and experience.
• Generous annual bonus and stock option possibilities.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement planning benefits.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and cutting-edge research in Tembisa.
• A creative and collaborative R&D environment.
• Access to state-of-the-art development and testing facilities.