Mechanical Design Engineer - Product Development

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 550,000 - 750,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical and dental coverage

Performance bonuses

Hybrid work model

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Paarl, Western Cape, seeks a Mechanical Design Engineer to drive the mechanical design of new consumer electronics and smart home products. You will move from concept sketches to detailed design, prototyping, and mass production support in a hybrid office setting.

The role requires a BEng in Mechanical Engineering and at least four years of experience, proficiency in SolidWorks or Fusion 360 and FEA, knowledge of injection molding, and collaboration with cross‑functional teams to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Min 4 years in mechanical design and product development in consumer electronics.
• Proficient in SolidWorks or Fusion 360 and FEA tools.
• Experience with injection molding and rapid prototyping.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design for new consumer electronics and smart home products.
• Create detailed 3D CAD models and 2D drawings.
• Perform stress, thermal, and vibration analysis using FEA.
• Collaborate with industrial designers, electronics engineers, and firmware developers.
• Oversee prototyping, testing, and validation activities.

Skills

Problem solving

Analytical thinking

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Fusion 360

FEA tools

Injection molding

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic innovator in consumer electronics and smart home devices, is seeking a skilled Mechanical Design Engineer to join their product development team in Paarl, Western Cape. This role is central to creating user-centric, high-performance products that integrate seamlessly into daily life. You will be responsible for the mechanical design aspects of new products, from initial concept sketches and feasibility studies through to detailed design, prototyping, and mass production support. The position requires a blend of creative design thinking and rigorous engineering analysis, ensuring products are aesthetically pleasing, functional, reliable, and cost-effective. This hybrid role allows for a dynamic work approach, combining collaborative design sessions at our Paarl office with focused independent work. We are looking for an engineer with a keen eye for detail, a passion for innovative product design, and the ability to navigate the complexities of rapid product development cycles.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design process for new consumer electronics and smart home products.


• Develop detailed 3D CAD models and 2D drawings for mechanical components and assemblies.


• Conduct stress, thermal, and vibration analysis using FEA to ensure product robustness and performance.


• Collaborate closely with industrial designers, electronics engineers, and firmware developers to achieve integrated product solutions.


• Specify materials and manufacturing processes (e.g., injection molding, metal stamping) for mass production.


• Oversee prototyping, testing, and validation activities to confirm design integrity and functionality.


• Work with manufacturing partners to ensure smooth production ramp-up and address any design-related issues.


• Prepare comprehensive documentation, including design reports, BOMs, and manufacturing specifications.


• Stay informed about emerging technologies and design trends in the consumer electronics industry.


• Contribute to product cost reduction initiatives through smart design choices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.


• Minimum of 4 years of experience in mechanical design and product development, preferably in consumer electronics or related fields.


• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Fusion 360) and FEA tools.


• Strong understanding of injection molding, plastic part design, and rapid prototyping techniques.


• Experience with mechatronics and integration of electronic components within mechanical enclosures.


• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical-thinking skills.


• Good communication and teamwork skills, comfortable working in a hybrid setting.


• A portfolio showcasing previous product designs is highly advantageous.


• Ability to work from our facility in Paarl, Western Cape as part of the hybrid schedule.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical and dental coverage, performance bonuses, and ample opportunities for professional growth and skill development in a fast-paced innovation environment.


• The hybrid work model supports work-life balance.


• Employees benefit from access to modern design tools and a collaborative atmosphere focused on bringing exciting new products to market.


• Our client is committed to employee well-being and provides a supportive culture for career advancement.