Mechanical Design Engineer - Thermal Management

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Performance bonuses

Training and development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer specializing in thermal management for our client in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. You will design heat sinks, fans, and cooling systems, run CFD analyses, and validate thermal performance for industrial equipment and electronics.

You will create detailed 3D models and drawings, select materials, and collaborate with electrical and product teams to ensure reliable thermal solutions in demanding environments. On-site role in Nelspruit.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering with thermodynamics specialization.
• Minimum of 5 years of mechanical design experience focused on thermal management.
• Proficiency in CAD (SolidWorks, Creo) and thermal/CFD tools (ANSYS Fluent, COMSOL).
• Strong understanding of heat transfer principles, fluid dynamics, and material properties relevant to thermal applications.
• Experience with cooling technologies (air/liquid/heat pipes).
• Ability to develop and execute experimental test plans.
• Excellent problem-solving and detail-oriented mindset.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Willingness to work on-site in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga.

Responsibilities

• Design mechanical systems for effective thermal management (heat sinks, fans, liquid cooling).
• Perform thermal analysis and CFD simulations to optimize heat transfer.
• Create detailed 3D models and 2D drawings using CAD software.
• Select materials and manufacturing processes for thermal components.
• Collaborate with electrical engineers to integrate thermal solutions.
• Develop test plans and validate thermal designs.
• Troubleshoot thermal issues and implement improvements.
• Document designs, analyses, and test procedures.
• Stay current with emerging thermal technologies.

Skills

CAD (SolidWorks/Creo)

Thermal analysis/CFD

Heat transfer theory

Fluid dynamics

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering (Therm/thermal sciences)

Tools

SolidWorks/Creo

ANSYS Fluent/COMSOL

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in the development of high-performance cooling systems for industrial applications, is seeking an innovative Mechanical Design Engineer specializing in thermal management. This position is based in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga , and focuses on the design, analysis, and validation of effective thermal solutions for complex machinery and electronic systems. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and mechanical design, with practical experience in developing and testing thermal management components and systems. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, including electrical engineers and product managers, to ensure optimal operating temperatures are maintained, thereby enhancing product reliability and performance. This is a key role for an engineer passionate about tackling thermal challenges in demanding industrial environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical systems and components for effective thermal management (e.g., heat sinks, fans, liquid cooling systems).
• Perform thermal analysis and CFD simulations to predict and optimize heat transfer performance.
• Create detailed 3D models and 2D manufacturing drawings using CAD software.
• Select appropriate materials and manufacturing processes for thermal components.
• Collaborate with electrical engineers to integrate thermal solutions with electronic systems.
• Develop test plans and conduct experimental validation of thermal designs.
• Troubleshoot thermal-related issues and implement design improvements.
• Document designs, analysis results, and test procedures.
• Stay current with emerging technologies in thermal management and cooling solutions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in thermodynamics or thermal sciences.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in mechanical design, with a significant focus on thermal management and heat transfer.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Creo) and thermal analysis/CFD tools (e.g., ANSYS Fluent, COMSOL).
• Strong understanding of heat transfer principles, fluid dynamics, and material properties relevant to thermal applications.
• Experience with various cooling technologies (air cooling, liquid cooling, heat pipes).
• Ability to develop and execute experimental test plans.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Willingness to work on-site in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga .

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid, retirement fund, and potential performance bonuses.
• You will have access to advanced design and simulation tools and work on cutting-edge thermal management solutions.
• Our client invests in employee growth through continuous training and development opportunities.
• This role provides the chance to specialize in a critical engineering field within a growing company located in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga .
• A dynamic and supportive team environment awaits.