Mechanical Design Engineer - Heavy Equipment

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 650,000 - 950,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Medical aid and retirement fund

Professional development

Collaborative engineering culture

Impactful machinery design

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to design, develop and optimize heavy equipment for large-scale industrial machinery in East London. You will work with manufacturing, R&D and field service to deliver robust mechanical systems, spanning structures, hydraulics and drivetrains.

You will employ 3D CAD (SolidWorks/CATIA), perform FEA analyses, and produce detailed drawings and BOMs. A strong problem-solving mindset and hybrid on-site/remote collaboration are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Minimum 6 years of heavy equipment design experience.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD (SolidWorks/CATIA) and FEA.
• Understanding of materials, manufacturing processes and failure modes.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and assemblies for heavy equipment.
• Use 3D CAD and perform FEA to ensure structural integrity.
• Create drawings, specifications and BOMs for manufacturing.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate mechanical with electrical and controls.
• Support prototype testing and validation; troubleshoot improvements.

Skills

Problem-solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Hybrid work adaptability

Detail-oriented

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

FEA

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dedicated Mechanical Design Engineer specializing in Heavy Equipment to join their team in East London. This role is integral to the design, development, and enhancement of robust mechanical systems for large-scale industrial and construction machinery. You will contribute to innovative solutions that meet demanding performance and durability requirements, working closely with manufacturing, R&D, and field service teams. The hybrid work model offers a balance between collaborative on-site design sessions and focused remote engineering tasks, supporting the creation of high-quality, reliable heavy equipment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and assemblies for heavy equipment, including structures, drivetrains, and hydraulic systems.
• Utilize 3D CAD software and perform FEA analysis to ensure structural integrity and performance under extreme conditions.
• Create detailed engineering drawings, specifications, and Bill of Materials (BOMs) for manufacturing.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate mechanical designs with electrical, hydraulic, and control systems.
• Support prototype development, testing, and validation of heavy equipment designs.
• Troubleshoot design-related issues and implement improvements for durability, performance, and manufacturability.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in the design of heavy equipment or similar large-scale mechanical systems.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA) and experience with structural and dynamic analysis (FEA).
• Strong understanding of material science, manufacturing processes, and failure modes relevant to heavy equipment.
• Experience with hydraulic and pneumatic systems is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively in a hybrid team setting.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Hybrid work model fostering flexibility and work-life balance.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and advancement in the heavy equipment sector.
• A collaborative environment focused on engineering excellence and product innovation.
• Involvement in the design of impactful and robust machinery.