Mechanical Design Engineer - Renewable Energy Components

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Professional development

Pension scheme

Volunteer days

International travel

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, to design components for wind turbines and solar systems. You will use CATIA/SolidWorks for 3D modeling and drawings, and perform structural and thermal analyses with FEA tools.

Collaboration with electrical engineers and material scientists is essential to ensure manufacturability and regulatory compliance. The role emphasizes cross-functional teamwork, design for manufacturability, and ongoing improvements in a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 5 years' mechanical design and analysis experience.
• Proficient in 3D CAD and FEA software (ANSYS, Abaqus).
• Strong understanding of materials science and manufacturing processes.
• Experience in wind or solar renewables is advantageous.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical and communication skills.
• Team-oriented with collaborative mindset.
• Familiar with design for manufacturability (DFM).
• Familiar with project management tools.

Responsibilities

• Design mechanical components and assemblies for renewable energy systems.
• Use CAD software for 3D modeling and drawings.
• Perform structural, fatigue, and thermal analyses using FEA tools.
• Collaborate with electrical engineers and material scientists to integrate designs.
• Specify materials and manufacturing processes per standards.
• Develop and execute testing procedures for prototypes and production components.
• Troubleshoot design issues throughout the product lifecycle.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of designs and processes.
• Ensure designs meet industry standards and regulatory requirements.

Skills

3D CAD

FEA

Abaqus

Ansys

Materials science

Manufacturing processes

Renewable energy

Problem-solving

Analytical thinking

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CATIA

SolidWorks

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering company in the renewable energy sector, is seeking a skilled Mechanical Design Engineer to join their innovative team in Stellenbosch, Western Cape . This role focuses on the design and development of critical components for wind turbines and solar energy systems. You will be instrumental in pushing the boundaries of sustainable technology, contributing to projects that have a global impact. We are looking for a candidate with a strong foundation in mechanical design, an understanding of materials science, and a passion for renewable energy. This position offers a unique opportunity to work in a dynamic and fast-growing industry, contributing to a cleaner future.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and assemblies for renewable energy systems, including wind turbines and solar trackers.
• Utilize advanced CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks) for detailed 3D modeling and creation of engineering drawings.
• Perform structural analysis, fatigue analysis, and thermal analysis using FEA tools to ensure design integrity and performance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including electrical engineers and material scientists, to integrate mechanical designs.
• Specify materials and manufacturing processes for components, ensuring compliance with stringent quality and performance requirements.
• Develop and execute testing procedures for prototypes and production components.
• Troubleshoot design issues and implement effective solutions throughout the product lifecycle.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of existing designs and manufacturing processes.
• Ensure designs meet all relevant industry standards and regulatory requirements for renewable energy technologies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in mechanical design and analysis.
• Proven expertise in 3D CAD modeling and strong proficiency in FEA software (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus).
• Solid understanding of material science, mechanics of materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience in the renewable energy sector (wind, solar) is highly advantageous.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.
• Experience with design for manufacturability (DFM) principles.
• Familiarity with project management tools and methodologies.

Benefits

• An excellent annual salary of R.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional development and attending industry conferences.
• Contribution to exciting and impactful renewable energy projects.
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment.
• Company pension scheme.
• Paid time off for volunteering in environmental initiatives.
• Potential for international travel to project sites.