Mechanical Design Engineer (Consumer Products)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a creative Mechanical Design Engineer to join a hybrid team in Sandton, Gauteng. You’ll drive mechanical design for premium consumer goods, translating user needs into high-quality products within a studio-driven environment.

The role requires 3–5 years of experience, strong CAD skills (SolidWorks/Alias/Rhino), and familiarity with manufacturing processes. You will collaborate across disciplines and contribute to bringing elegant designs to life.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 3–5 years of professional mechanical design experience with a strong portfolio.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD (SolidWorks, Alias, Rhino) and FEA tools.
• Understanding of injection molding, CNC machining, and assembly processes.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and systems for premium consumer products.
• Create 3D models, 2D drawings, assemblies, and BOMs.
• Perform mechanical analysis (stress, thermal, vibration) to ensure durability.
• Collaborate with designers, electrical engineers, and UX teams.
• Manage prototyping, testing, and iterative design improvements.
• Coordinate with manufacturers for production-ready designs (DFM/DFA).
• Troubleshoot design issues across the product development cycle.

Skills

Mechanical design experience

CAD design software

FEA analysis tools

DFM/Cost aware design

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Alias

Rhino

FEA software

Job description

About the Role Our client, a prestigious design firm known for its innovative lifestyle products, is seeking a creative Mechanical Design Engineer to join their hybrid team in Sandton, Gauteng. This role is focused on the mechanical design and development of premium consumer goods, requiring a blend of aesthetic sensibility and robust engineering. You will be involved from the initial concept stages, translating user needs and design visions into tangible, high-quality products. Working within a collaborative studio environment and engaging in hybrid work arrangements, you’ll contribute to bringing elegant and functional designs to life. The Sandton location places you at the heart of a dynamic commercial and design centre in Gauteng.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and systems for high-end consumer products using advanced CAD software.
• Create detailed 3D models, 2D technical drawings, assemblies, and Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Perform mechanical analysis, including stress, thermal, and vibration analysis, to ensure product performance and durability.
• Collaborate closely with industrial designers, electrical engineers, and user experience teams to achieve integrated product solutions.
• Manage prototyping efforts, conduct functional and reliability testing, and iterate on designs based on results.
• Work with manufacturing partners to ensure designs are optimized for production (DFM/DFA) and cost targets.
• Troubleshoot and resolve mechanical design issues throughout the product development cycle.
• Participate in design reviews, clearly articulating design rationale and technical solutions.
• Ensure product designs meet aesthetic, functional, and quality requirements for premium consumer goods.
• Research and evaluate new materials and manufacturing technologies relevant to product innovation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related design discipline.
• 3-5 years of professional experience in mechanical design, with a strong portfolio showcasing work on consumer products.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Alias, Rhino) and experience with FEA tools.
• Understanding of injection molding, CNC machining, and assembly processes for consumer goods.
• Strong aesthetic sense and ability to interpret and execute design concepts.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills for a hybrid work environment.
• Experience with material selection and surface finishing techniques for premium products is a plus.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and adapt to changing priorities.
• Must be legally eligible to work in South Africa and able to attend the Sandton office as required.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance and retirement contributions.
• Enjoy opportunities for professional development and creative expression within a leading design firm.
• Be part of a talented team shaping desirable consumer products in a stimulating Sandton environment with a flexible hybrid work model.