Mechanical / Design Engineer

West Coast Personnel; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in South Africa seeks a hands-on Mechanical Design Engineer to design and model custom equipment for the food and beverage industry. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Mechanical Engineering, over 5 years of relevant experience, and proficiency in 3D CAD software. This role impacts production performance and requires collaboration with clients and workshop teams.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of mechanical or design engineering experience, ideally in food, beverage, or process equipment manufacturing.
• Solid understanding of piping, pressure vessels, welding, and fluid systems.
• Knowledge of hygienic design principles and stainless-steel fabrication.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with clients to understand process needs and translate them into designs.
• Design and model equipment using 3D CAD.
• Oversee installation, commissioning, and performance testing of systems.

Skills

3D CAD design

Mechanical Engineering

Problem-solving

Project management

Education

Degree or Diploma in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

AutoCAD

Job description

Are you a hands-on Mechanical Design Engineer who thrives on turning ideas into precision-built process systems? Join a dynamic engineering team that designs and manufactures custom equipment for some of South Africa’s leading food and beverage producers.

This is a full-cycle design role — from concept to commissioning — where your creativity, technical skill, and attention to hygienic design detail will make a visible impact on production performance and product quality.

Job Details

• Collaborate with clients to understand process needs and translate them into efficient, hygienic system designs.
• Design and model equipment such as tanks, pumps, heat exchangers, dosing systems, and CIP systems using 3D CAD (SolidWorks / Inventor).
• Prepare detailed manufacturing drawings, bills of materials, and technical specifications.
• Select suitable materials and finishes (stainless steel, food-grade) and apply sound engineering calculations.
• Work closely with the fabrication and workshop teams to ensure designs are practical, accurate, and cost-effective.
• Oversee installation, commissioning, and performance testing of systems.
• Continuously improve designs for performance, safety, and efficiency.

Requirements

• Degree or Diploma in Mechanical Engineering.
• 5+ years’ mechanical or design engineering experience, ideally in food, beverage, or process equipment manufacturing.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD design (SolidWorks, Inventor, or AutoCAD).
• Solid understanding of piping, pressure vessels, welding, and fluid systems.
• Knowledge of hygienic design principles and stainless-steel fabrication.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and project management abilities.
• Bonus: Experience with automation, instrumentation, or control systems.