Mechanical Design Engineer - Consumer Products

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 480,000 - 600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer in Benoni, Gauteng. The role blends on‑site collaboration with remote work, focusing on conceptualization, design, and refinement of mechanical components for consumer goods.

The ideal candidate has 4+ years in mechanical design, strong CAD skills (SolidWorks or Fusion 360), and experience with plastics/metals/manufacturing. Hybrid work supports flexible collaboration with manufacturing partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in mechanical design, with consumer products/electronics focus.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks or Fusion 360).
• Experience with FEA or other simulation tools is highly desirable.
• Solid understanding of plastics, metals, elastomers and related manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design of new consumer products from concept to CAD models and prototypes.
• Use CAD software for 3D modeling, assemblies, and manufacturing drawings.
• Perform stress, thermal, and vibration simulations to ensure performance and safety.
• Collaborate with industrial designers, electrical engineers, and PMs to meet market needs.
• Select materials and manufacturing processes for cost-effective production.
• Manage BOMs and assembly instructions; oversee prototype development and testing.
• Support transition from R&D to mass production and resolve issues.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

SolidWorks

Fusion 360

FEA software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly growing consumer products company known for its innovative and high-quality offerings, is looking for a talented Mechanical Design Engineer to join their product development team in Benoni, Gauteng . This hybrid role allows for a flexible work arrangement, combining on-site collaboration with remote work capabilities. You will be instrumental in the conceptualization, design, and refinement of mechanical components and systems for a diverse range of consumer goods. We are seeking a creative and detail-oriented engineer with a passion for product design, materials, and manufacturing processes. Your expertise will be crucial in transforming innovative ideas into market-ready products. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of products that reach millions of consumers, working within a dynamic and fast-paced environment in Gauteng .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design of new consumer products, from initial concept sketches and feasibility studies to detailed CAD models and prototypes.
• Utilize CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Fusion 360) for 3D modeling, assembly design, and the creation of detailed manufacturing drawings.
• Conduct engineering analysis, including stress, thermal, and vibration simulations, to ensure product performance, durability, and safety.
• Collaborate closely with industrial designers, electrical engineers, and product managers to ensure design intent and functionality meet market needs.
• Select appropriate materials and manufacturing processes (e.g., injection molding, CNC machining, 3D printing) for cost-effective and high-quality production.
• Develop and manage Bill of Materials (BOMs) and product assembly instructions.
• Oversee prototype development, testing, and validation, iterating on designs based on feedback and results.
• Work closely with manufacturing partners to ensure designs are manufacturable and meet quality standards.
• Contribute to design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) initiatives.
• Support the transition of designs from R&D to mass production, resolving any issues that arise.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in mechanical design, with a strong focus on consumer products or electronics.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks or Fusion 360.
• Experience with FEA and other simulation tools is highly desirable.
• Solid understanding of plastic injection molding, metal stamping, and other relevant manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of materials commonly used in consumer products (plastics, metals, elastomers).
• Strong aesthetic sense and understanding of user experience in product design.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills for a hybrid work environment.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, performance incentives, comprehensive health insurance, and retirement savings plans.
• Employees enjoy a vibrant and creative work culture, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to see their designs in the hands of consumers worldwide.
• The hybrid model provides flexibility, and the role is based in Benoni, Gauteng.