Mechanical Design Engineer - Advanced Manufacturing

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 540,000 - 780,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement provisions

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 in Sandton seeks a Mechanical Design Engineer to design and develop advanced manufacturing equipment, including additive manufacturing and automation. You will translate concepts into detailed designs, run analyses, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to bring new products to market.

The ideal candidate has a mechanical engineering degree, 3–5 years in mechanical design, proficiency with SolidWorks or Inventor, and experience with automation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 3–5 years in mechanical design with automation/advanced manufacturing focus.
• Proficient in 3D CAD; familiar with FEA tools.
• Strong mechanical principles, good communication and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical systems for advanced manufacturing applications such as 3D printers, robotic cells, and automated assembly lines.
• Create detailed 3D CAD models, drawings, and specifications using SolidWorks or Inventor.
• Perform stress, strain, and thermal analyses to ensure design integrity.
• Collaborate with electrical, software, and manufacturing teams through the product lifecycle.
• Optimize designs for manufacturability, cost, and reliability.
• Develop and maintain BOMs and technical documentation.
• Oversee prototype build and testing; implement improvements.
• Stay updated on trends in advanced manufacturing and automation.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of design processes and standards.

Skills

Mechanical design

Automation exposure

Team collaboration

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

FEA tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward‑thinking company at the forefront of advanced manufacturing technologies, is seeking a talented Mechanical Design Engineer for their hub in Sandton. This role is focused on designing and developing innovative equipment and systems used in cutting‑edge manufacturing processes, including additive manufacturing and automation. You will translate conceptual ideas into detailed engineering designs, optimize existing systems, and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to bring new products to market. The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in mechanical design, experience with automation or advanced manufacturing equipment, and a passion for innovation. This is a key role within a dynamic engineering environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop novel mechanical systems and equipment for advanced manufacturing applications, such as 3D printers, robotic cells, and automated assembly lines.
• Create detailed 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, and specifications using software like SolidWorks or Inventor.
• Perform mechanical analysis, including stress, strain, and thermal simulations, to ensure design integrity and performance.
• Collaborate closely with electrical engineers, software developers, and manufacturing specialists throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Optimize designs for manufacturability, cost‑effectiveness, and reliability.
• Develop and maintain Bill of Materials (BOMs) and technical documentation.
• Oversee prototype building and testing, troubleshoot issues, and implement design improvements.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends and technologies in advanced manufacturing and automation.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes and standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• 3-5 years of professional experience in mechanical design, with a focus on automation, robotics, or advanced manufacturing equipment.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor) and familiarity with FEA tools.
• Strong understanding of mechanical principles, mechanisms, and machine design.
• Experience with materials selection and manufacturing processes relevant to advanced manufacturing.
• Excellent problem‑solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• A passion for innovation and a proactive approach to design challenges.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including medical aid and retirement provisions.
• This hybrid role provides the flexibility of working both in the office in Sandton and remotely.

You will be part of an innovative company driving the future of manufacturing, with ample opportunities for professional development and career advancement. Join a talented team dedicated to creating cutting‑edge solutions.