Mechanical Design Engineer - Smart Home & Consumer Tech

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 550,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer for a hybrid role in Paarl/Stellenbosch, Western Cape. You will design manufacturing equipment, develop prototypes, and translate research concepts into tangible solutions, working both on-site and remotely.

The ideal candidate has a solid mechanical engineering background, 5+ years in industrial machinery or automation, and strong CAD/3D modeling skills (SolidWorks, Inventor). You will collaborate across teams to deliver innovative designs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• 5+ years in mechanical design for industrial machinery or automation.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD and simulation tools.
• Experience with pneumatics, hydraulics, and mechatronic systems is advantageous.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Good communication and teamwork abilities.
• Detail-oriented with focus on high-quality designs.
• Project management experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop bespoke mechanical systems and equipment using 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor).
• Perform mechanical simulations, including stress analysis, motion analysis, and fatigue life calculations.
• Create detailed manufacturing drawings, assembly instructions, and Bill of Materials (BOMs).
• Collaborate with electrical engineers and automation specialists to integrate mechanical and control systems.
• Work closely with the production team to ensure designs are manufacturable, cost‑effective, and meet quality standards.
• Troubleshoot design issues and provide technical support during the manufacturing and commissioning phases.
• Conduct design reviews and present technical solutions to stakeholders.
• Research and incorporate new technologies and materials into designs.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant safety standards and regulations.

Skills

3D CAD software

SolidWorks

Autodesk Inventor

Finite element analysis

Prototyping

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Autodesk Inventor

Job description

Our client, a leader in advanced materials research, is looking for a skilled Mechanical Design Engineer to join their Research and Development team in Paarl, Western Cape. This hybrid role offers a stimulating environment where you will contribute to the development of novel mechanical designs and prototypes. You will be involved in translating cutting‑edge research concepts into tangible engineering solutions, requiring both on‑site laboratory work and remote analytical tasks. The ideal candidate possesses a strong theoretical foundation in mechanical engineering, coupled with hands‑on experience in prototyping and testing. We seek an innovative individual who is passionate about exploring new technologies and materials. Your contributions will be crucial in advancing our product pipeline and exploring new market opportunities. Join a team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of engineering innovation in a collaborative setting.

Mechanical Design Engineer - Manufacturing Equipment

Our client, a prominent manufacturer of specialized industrial machinery, is seeking a skilled Mechanical Design Engineer to join their team in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. This role involves the design and development of innovative manufacturing equipment, automation solutions, and custom machinery for a diverse client base. You will be responsible for conceptualizing designs, creating detailed technical drawings, performing simulations, and working closely with manufacturing and assembly teams to bring projects to fruition. The ideal candidate possesses strong mechanical aptitude, expertise in CAD/CAM software, and a thorough understanding of manufacturing processes. This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer to contribute to cutting‑edge industrial technology development in the vibrant Stellenbosch region.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop bespoke mechanical systems and equipment using 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor).
• Perform mechanical simulations, including stress analysis, motion analysis, and fatigue life calculations.
• Create detailed manufacturing drawings, assembly instructions, and Bill of Materials (BOMs).
• Collaborate with electrical engineers and automation specialists to integrate mechanical and control systems.
• Work closely with the production team to ensure designs are manufacturable, cost‑effective, and meet quality standards.
• Troubleshoot design issues and provide technical support during the manufacturing and commissioning phases.
• Conduct design reviews and present technical solutions to stakeholders.
• Research and incorporate new technologies and materials into designs.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant safety standards and regulations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in mechanical design, particularly in the field of industrial machinery or automation.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software and associated simulation tools.
• Strong understanding of mechanics, materials, and manufacturing processes (e.g., machining, fabrication, assembly).
• Experience with pneumatics, hydraulics, and mechatronic systems is advantageous.
• Excellent problem‑solving and analytical skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team.
• Detail‑oriented with a commitment to producing high‑quality designs.
• Project management experience is a plus.

Benefits