Mechanical Design Engineer - Agricultural Technology

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 520,000 - 820,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Career growth

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer for our Upington-based team, focusing on design and development of robust mechanical systems for advanced agricultural machinery. The role covers concept to prototype, CAD modeling, analysis, and production support in a hybrid work setup.

You will work with cross-functional teams, apply knowledge of materials, manufacturing processes, and FEA tools to deliver durable solutions that improve farming efficiency and sustainability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in mechanical design and product development.
• Experience in agricultural equipment or outdoor machinery is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software; basic knowledge of FEA.
• Understanding of fabrication, machining, hydraulics.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Hybrid work model with Upington facility.
• Excellent communication and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Design mechanical components and systems for agricultural machinery and automation equipment.
• Create 3D models and 2D drawings with CAD (SolidWorks, Inventor).
• Perform calculations and simulations to validate design performance.
• Select materials and processes for durability and cost-effectiveness.
• Collaborate with agronomists, electronics engineers, and software developers.
• Oversee prototyping, testing, and design validation.
• Support manufacturing during production and troubleshoot issues.
• Contribute to design documentation and BOMs.
• Identify opportunities for innovation in product designs.

Skills

4+ years exp

Mechanical design

Agricultural equipment

3D CAD

FEA tools

Hybrid work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Autodesk Inventor

FEA software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering company in AgTech solutions, is seeking a creative Mechanical Design Engineer to join their innovative team in Upington, Northern Cape. This role focuses on designing and developing robust mechanical systems for advanced agricultural machinery and automation solutions that enhance farming efficiency and sustainability. You will be involved in the entire product development cycle, from conceptualization and detailed design using CAD software to prototyping, testing, and production support. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of mechanical principles, material selection, and manufacturing processes, with a passion for applying engineering solutions to agricultural challenges. This hybrid position allows for flexibility, combining essential on-site work at our Upington facility with remote analysis and design tasks. We are looking for an engineer who is adept at problem-solving, collaborative, and driven to contribute to the future of agriculture through technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and systems for agricultural machinery and automation equipment.
• Create detailed 3D models, 2D drawings, and specifications using CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor).
• Perform engineering calculations and simulations (e.g., stress analysis, thermal analysis) to validate design performance.
• Select appropriate materials and manufacturing processes for durability and cost-effectiveness in agricultural environments.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including agronomists, electronics engineers, and software developers.
• Oversee prototyping, testing, and validation of new designs, ensuring they meet performance and reliability requirements.
• Support the manufacturing team during production, troubleshooting design-related issues.
• Stay current with advancements in agricultural technology, robotics, and relevant mechanical engineering principles.
• Contribute to documentation, including design reports, BOMs, and user manuals.
• Identify opportunities for innovation and improvement in existing and new product designs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in mechanical design and product development.
• Experience designing mechanical systems for agricultural equipment, outdoor machinery, or related fields is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software and basic knowledge of FEA tools.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes relevant to agricultural machinery (e.g., fabrication, machining, hydraulics).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good communication and teamwork abilities, comfortable with a hybrid work model.
• Passion for agriculture and technology innovation.
• Ability to work from our facility in Upington, Northern Cape as part of the hybrid work schedule.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, retirement savings plan, and opportunities for professional growth and development within the innovative AgTech sector. The hybrid work arrangement provides a good balance between on-site collaboration and remote flexibility. Employees benefit from working on cutting-edge agricultural solutions and a supportive team culture. Our client is committed to employee well-being and career advancement, offering training and development programs.