Mechanical Design Engineer - Agricultural Equipment

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive medical aid

Retirement fund

Generous annual leave

Professional development

Laptop provided

Job summary

Placements24 invites applications for a Mechanical Design Engineer in Polokwane, Limpopo. The role centers on the design, modeling, prototyping, and testing of advanced agricultural machinery, with collaboration across engineering and agronomy teams.

The position requires a Mechanical Engineering degree and 3–7 years in mechanical design, with strong CAD skills and the ability to work in a hybrid Polokwane environment. Familiarity with manufacturing processes and safety standards is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 3–7 years of experience in mechanical design, preferably with agricultural machinery or heavy equipment.
• Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Inventor).
• Experience with FEA or other simulation tools is advantageous.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Good communication and ability to work in a hybrid team.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and systems for agricultural machinery using CAD.
• Create detailed 3D models, 2D drawings, and BOMs for new equipment and upgrades.
• Conduct mechanical analyses to ensure design integrity (stress, strain, thermal).
• Collaborate with agronomists and manufacturing engineers on product development.
• Oversee prototyping and testing, documenting results and making modifications.
• Identify and implement design improvements for performance and cost-effectiveness.

Skills

CAD proficiency

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Hybrid teamwork

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

FEA software

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Inventor

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in agricultural technology and equipment, is seeking a creative Mechanical Design Engineer to contribute to their growing product line in **Polokwane, Limpopo**. This role focuses on the design and development of advanced agricultural machinery, aiming to enhance farming efficiency and sustainability. You will be involved in the entire design process, from concept generation and detailed CAD modeling to prototyping and testing. This position adopts a hybrid work model, offering a balance between essential on-site collaboration in our **Polokwane** facility and the flexibility of remote work. You will work alongside agricultural scientists, production engineers, and other specialists to bring innovative solutions to the agricultural sector. We are committed to advancing farming practices through robust and intelligent engineering. If you have a passion for agriculture and a strong foundation in mechanical design, this is an excellent opportunity to make a significant impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and systems for agricultural machinery using CAD software.
• Create detailed 3D models, 2D drawings, and Bills of Materials (BOMs) for new equipment and upgrades.
• Conduct mechanical analyses, including stress, strain, and thermal calculations, to ensure design integrity.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including agronomists and manufacturing engineers, on product development.
• Oversee prototyping and testing of new designs, documenting results and making necessary modifications.
• Identify and implement design improvements for performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Research and specify materials and components suitable for agricultural environments.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant safety regulations and industry standards for agricultural equipment.
• Troubleshoot mechanical issues during development and provide technical support for existing products.
• Stay informed about advancements in agricultural technology and mechanical engineering practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• 3-7 years of experience in mechanical design, with a focus on agricultural machinery or heavy equipment.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Inventor).
• Understanding of mechanical principles, materials science, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience with FEA and other simulation tools is advantageous.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, able to work effectively in a hybrid team.
• Ability to work independently and manage tasks effectively.
• Located in or able to commute to **Polokwane, Limpopo** for required on-site activities.
• Passion for the agricultural industry and innovation.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and potential for annual bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund.
• Generous annual leave and company holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development and further education.
• Exposure to cutting-edge agricultural technology and equipment design.
• A dynamic hybrid work environment in **Polokwane, Limpopo**.
• Company-provided laptop and necessary software.
• Collaborative team atmosphere focused on innovation.
• Potential for career growth within a leading agricultural solutions provider.