Mechanical Design Engineer - Consumer Goods

Placements24; Paarl; Hybrid; ZAR 480,000 - 720,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical and retirement benefits

Remote-first work environment

Laptop provided

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Mechanical Design Engineer to lead the mechanical design of consumer electronic devices from concept through prototyping to mass production readiness. This remote role supports global teams while you work from your home setup in Paarl, Western Cape.

You will use SolidWorks or Fusion 360 for 3D CAD, run CAE simulations, design enclosures, and collaborate with industrial designers, electrical engineers, and manufacturing partners to optimize for cost, quality, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of mechanical design experience in consumer products.
• Expertise in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks / Fusion 360).
• Experience with CAE tools for simulation and analysis.
• Understanding of injection molding, plastic part design, and metal fabrication.
• Familiarity with consumer electronics product development cycles.
• Strong aesthetic sense and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and collaboration for remote work.
• Self-motivated with strong organizational and time management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and enclosures for consumer electronics using 3D CAD.
• Create detailed 3D models, 2D drawings, and assembly instructions.
• Perform stress, thermal, and vibration simulations to ensure durability.
• Collaborate with industrial designers, electrical engineers, and firmware teams.
• Work with manufacturing partners to optimize for mass production, cost, and quality.
• Build and test prototypes, perform failure analyses, and iterate designs.
• Manage mechanical aspects of the product development lifecycle and milestones.
• Stay current with new materials and manufacturing processes relevant to consumer goods.
• Contribute to DFM and DFA reviews.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Remote collaboration

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Fusion 360

CAE tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, an innovative leader in the design and manufacturing of high-quality consumer electronics, is seeking a talented Mechanical Design Engineer for a fully remote position, supporting their operations from Paarl, Western Cape . This role is ideal for a creative and detail-oriented engineer passionate about bringing innovative consumer products to life. You will be responsible for the mechanical design aspects of new products, from initial concept and ideation through to prototyping, testing, and mass production readiness. The successful candidate will have a strong portfolio of successful product designs, excellent CAD skills, and a keen understanding of user experience and manufacturing constraints. This is an opportunity to work remotely on exciting projects that reach consumers worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and enclosures for consumer electronic devices using 3D CAD software.
• Create detailed 3D models, 2D drawings, and assembly instructions.
• Perform engineering analysis, including stress, thermal, and vibration simulations, to ensure product durability and performance.
• Collaborate with industrial designers, electrical engineers, and firmware teams to refine product aesthetics and functionality.
• Work closely with manufacturing partners to ensure designs are optimized for mass production, cost-effectiveness, and quality.
• Build and test prototypes, conduct failure analysis, and iterate on designs based on testing results and feedback.
• Manage the mechanical aspects of the product development lifecycle, ensuring timely delivery of design milestones.
• Stay current with emerging technologies, materials, and manufacturing processes relevant to consumer goods.
• Contribute to DFM (Design for Manufacturability) and DFA (Design for Assembly) reviews.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in mechanical design, with a proven track record in consumer product development.
• Expertise in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or similar).
• Experience with CAE tools for simulation and analysis is essential.
• Understanding of injection molding, plastic part design, and metal fabrication processes.
• Familiarity with consumer electronics product development cycles and requirements.
• Strong aesthetic sense and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills for effective remote work.
• Self-motivated with strong organizational and time management abilities.
• Must have a reliable internet connection and a suitable home office setup.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package for a remote position.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Flexible work hours and a remote-first work environment.
• Opportunity to work on innovative and high-impact consumer products.
• Professional development opportunities and exposure to cutting-edge technology.
• Annual performance bonuses.
• Company-provided laptop and necessary software licenses.