Mechanical Design Engineer - Product Development

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive health benefits

Training and development opportunities

Career growth paths

Vibrant work culture in Nelspruit

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer in Nelspruit to design and develop mechanical components for innovative consumer electronics. You will transform user needs into functional, manufacturable parts, coordinating with designers, electrical engineers, and software teams.

The role emphasizes CAD modeling, BOM creation, and integration with rapid prototyping and manufacturing processes. A strong portfolio and hands-on problem solving are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of mechanical design experience in consumer electronics or similar product development.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, Inventor) and 2D drafting.
• Experience with simulation tools for mechanical analysis is preferred.
• Understanding of plastic injection molding, metal stamping, and assembly processes.
• Familiarity with rapid prototyping techniques (e.g., 3D printing, CNC machining).
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and develop mechanical components and assemblies for consumer electronic products using CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor).
• Create detailed 3D models, 2D drawings, and Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Conduct mechanical analysis and simulations to ensure product reliability and performance.
• Collaborate with industrial designers, electrical engineers, and software developers to achieve integrated solutions.
• Manage prototyping and testing phases, iterating on designs based on feedback.
• Work with manufacturing partners to optimize designs for mass production (DFM/DFA).
• Maintain clear and concise technical documentation for all design activities.

Skills

3D CAD proficiency

Simulation tools

Teamwork

Problem solving

Communication

Multitasking

Consumer electronics design

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and growing consumer electronics company, is seeking a creative and skilled Mechanical Design Engineer to join their product development team in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga . This role is central to the design and engineering of innovative consumer electronic devices, from initial concept through to mass production. You will be responsible for translating user needs and technical requirements into tangible, functional, and aesthetically pleasing mechanical designs. The ideal candidate possesses a strong portfolio of successful product designs, proficiency in CAD and rapid prototyping techniques, and a passion for creating user-centric products. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to exciting new product launches and shape the future of consumer technology in Nelspruit .

Key Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and develop mechanical components and assemblies for consumer electronic products using CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor).
• Create detailed 3D models, 2D drawings, and Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Conduct mechanical analysis and simulations (e.g., stress, thermal, drop tests) to ensure product reliability and performance.
• Collaborate closely with industrial designers, electrical engineers, and software developers to achieve integrated product solutions.
• Manage the prototyping and testing phases, iterating on designs based on feedback and results.
• Work with manufacturing partners to ensure designs are optimized for mass production (DFM/DFA).
• Identify and resolve mechanical design challenges and issues throughout the product development cycle.
• Stay up-to-date with emerging technologies and trends in consumer electronics design.
• Contribute to product requirement definition and technical specifications.
• Maintain clear and concise technical documentation for all design activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in mechanical design, with a focus on consumer electronics or similar product development.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor) and 2D drafting.
• Experience with simulation tools for mechanical analysis is preferred.
• Understanding of plastic injection molding, metal stamping, and assembly processes.
• Familiarity with rapid prototyping techniques (e.g., 3D printing, CNC machining).
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Passion for consumer electronics and innovative product design.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive health benefits
• Performance-driven bonus structure
• Employees have access to ongoing training and development opportunities
• Career growth paths
• Vibrant work culture in Nelspruit
• The company is committed to innovation and provides a creative environment where engineers can make a significant impact on cutting-edge products.