Mechanical Design Engineer - Heavy Machinery

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybrid; ZAR 550,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Career development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer to join their Pietermaritzburg team. You will design, develop, and test robust mechanical systems for heavy machinery used in mining, construction, and agriculture, creating detailed designs and performing critical analyses to ensure reliability and performance.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in mechanical design, proficiency in SolidWorks or Inventor and FEA tools (ANSYS/COMSOL), and strong teamwork skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in mechanical design, preferably with heavy machinery or industrial equipment.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD (SolidWorks or Inventor) and FEA tools (ANSYS or COMSOL).
• Strong knowledge of power transmission, hydraulics, pneumatics and structural mechanics.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components, sub-assemblies, and complete systems for heavy machinery.
• Create detailed 3D models, drawings, and BOMs using CAD software.
• Perform stress, thermal, and dynamic analyses to validate designs.
• Collaborate with electrical, hydraulics, and controls engineers to integrate systems.
• Develop and execute test plans for prototypes and production units.
• Troubleshoot design issues and implement improvements for reliability.
• Ensure designs comply with industry standards and customer specs.
• Research new materials and manufacturing technologies for heavy machinery.

Skills

5+ years experience

3D CAD

Analytical thinking

Project management

Cross-functional teamwork

Design optimization

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

ANSYS

COMSOL

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading manufacturer of heavy industrial machinery, is seeking an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer to join their team in Pietermaritzburg . This role involves the design, development, and testing of robust mechanical systems for complex machinery used in mining, construction, and agriculture. You will be responsible for creating detailed designs, performing critical analyses, and ensuring the reliability and performance of equipment in demanding environments. This is an exciting opportunity to work on challenging projects, utilizing advanced engineering tools and contributing to the innovation of heavy machinery within the KwaZulu-Natal region. If you have a passion for designing powerful and durable mechanical systems, this position offers significant career growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components, sub-assemblies, and complete systems for heavy machinery.
• Create detailed 3D models, engineering drawings, and Bills of Materials (BOMs) using CAD software.
• Perform stress, strain, thermal, and dynamic analyses using FEA software to validate designs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including electrical, hydraulics, and controls engineers, to integrate systems.
• Develop and execute test plans for prototypes and production units to ensure performance and durability.
• Troubleshoot design issues and implement modifications to improve performance and reliability.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant industry standards, safety regulations, and customer specifications.
• Research and evaluate new materials and manufacturing technologies suitable for heavy machinery applications.
• Assist in the development of technical documentation, including user manuals and maintenance guides.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing, assembly, and field service teams.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in mechanical design, preferably with heavy machinery, automotive, or industrial equipment.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks or Inventor, and FEA tools like ANSYS or COMSOL.
• Strong understanding of mechanical systems, including power transmission, hydraulics, pneumatics, and structural mechanics.
• Experience with material selection, fatigue analysis, and manufacturing processes relevant to heavy equipment.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to manage projects and meet deadlines effectively.
• Knowledge of industry standards for heavy machinery is a plus.
• Experience with simulation software for dynamic systems is advantageous.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, retirement savings plan, and paid time off. Opportunities for professional development and career advancement are readily available.

This role is based in Pietermaritzburg , offering a dynamic work environment within a leading industrial enterprise.