Mechanical Design Engineer - Advanced Materials

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Job summary

Placements24 in Bloemfontein, South Africa, is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to drive design, analysis, and testing of components using advanced materials. The role blends material science with engineering to translate concepts into robust, manufacturable solutions.

The ideal candidate has a mechanical engineering degree, 3–5 years of mechanical design experience, strong CAD skills (SolidWorks/Fusion 360), and familiarity with FEA. Relocation to Bloemfontein may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 3-5 years of mechanical design and analysis experience.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or similar).
• Familiarity with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and systems using advanced materials.
• Create detailed 3D CAD models, drawings, and specifications.
• Perform mechanical analysis including stress, fatigue, and thermal analysis.
• Collaborate with material scientists to understand material properties.
• Conduct prototype development, testing, and validation.
• Develop test procedures and analyze data to refine designs.
• Work with manufacturing teams to ensure producibility.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations for reviews.
• Stay current with material science and mechanical design advancements.
• Troubleshoot mechanical design issues during development and testing.

Skills

Mechanical design

CAD proficiency

FEA familiarity

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Fusion 360

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering research and development firm specializing in advanced materials and their applications, is seeking a talented Mechanical Design Engineer to join their innovative team in Bloemfontein, Free State . This role focuses on the mechanical design, analysis, and testing of components and systems that utilize novel materials. You will work at the intersection of material science and engineering, translating theoretical possibilities into practical, functional designs. The ideal candidate possesses a strong understanding of mechanical principles, CAD proficiency, and an eagerness to explore and apply cutting-edge materials. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking projects and develop solutions for challenging industrial problems. You will collaborate with material scientists and other engineers to push the boundaries of what's possible with advanced materials in various sectors. We are seeking an engineer who is both creative and rigorously analytical in their approach.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and systems incorporating advanced materials such as composites, ceramics, and specialized alloys.
• Create detailed 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, and specifications using software like SolidWorks or Fusion 360.
• Perform mechanical analysis, including stress, strain, fatigue, and thermal analysis, to validate designs.
• Collaborate with material scientists to understand material properties and limitations and how they impact design.
• Conduct prototype development, testing, and validation to verify performance and reliability.
• Develop test procedures and analyze test data to refine designs and ensure requirements are met.
• Work with manufacturing teams to ensure designs are producible with the chosen advanced materials.
• Prepare technical reports, documentation, and presentations for project reviews.
• Stay current with advancements in material science and mechanical design relevant to emerging technologies.
• Troubleshoot and resolve mechanical design issues encountered during development and testing.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in mechanical design and analysis.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or similar).
• Familiarity with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software for mechanical simulations.
• A strong interest in or experience with advanced materials (composites, high-performance alloys, ceramics) is highly desirable.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team.
• Experience with prototyping and experimental testing methodologies.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Bloemfontein, Free State.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including health insurance and retirement contributions. This role provides unique opportunities for professional growth through exposure to cutting-edge research and development. You will work in a stimulating environment in Bloemfontein , contributing to truly innovative projects. Our client is committed to fostering a culture of scientific curiosity and engineering excellence, offering a chance to be at the forefront of material application technology. Further details on the role and benefits will be provided during the interview process.