Mechanical Design Specialist

Placements24; Bellville; Hybrid; ZAR 248,000 - 413,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote contract

Flexible hours

Global collaboration

Portfolio growth

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Mechanical Design Specialist for a remote contract role focused on end-to-end design of automated machinery and robotic systems. You will leverage advanced CAD tooling to create robust components and assemblies, perform kinematic and tolerance analyses, and generate comprehensive manufacturing drawings for outsourced production.

You will collaborate with a distributed team, participate in design reviews, and ensure safety and performance specifications are met.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field required.
• Master's degree preferred for advanced roles.
• Strong CAD skills and experience with automation/robotics are essential.
• Experience with manufacturing processes and tolerance analysis is needed.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a distributed, remote team.

Responsibilities

• Design mechanical components, sub-assemblies, and systems for automated machinery using CAD software.
• Perform detailed calculations, tolerance stack-ups, and material selections.
• Create BOMs and manufacturing drawings for outsourced production.
• Collaborate with project managers, software, and hardware teams remotely.
• Troubleshoot design issues during prototyping, testing, or production.
• Present design reviews and ensure compliance with safety and performance specs.

Skills

CAD proficiency

Analytical thinking

Remote collaboration

Detail-oriented

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

Fusion 360

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a fast-growing technology firm specializing in automation solutions, is seeking a talented Mechanical Design Specialist for a remote contract position. This role is ideal for a proactive and detail-oriented engineer who thrives on delivering innovative mechanical designs. You will be responsible for the end-to-end design of custom automation equipment and robotic systems, requiring a deep understanding of precision mechanics, control systems, and manufacturing processes. The opportunity is based remotely, offering unparalleled flexibility while contributing to exciting projects that are shaping the future of industrial automation. You'll work closely with a distributed team of experts, leveraging collaborative tools to bring cutting-edge concepts to life. This is a unique chance to apply your expertise in a dynamic, forward-thinking environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and document mechanical components, sub-assemblies, and systems for automated machinery using advanced CAD software.
• Perform detailed engineering calculations and analyses, including tolerance stack-ups, kinematic studies, and material selection, to ensure design integrity and functionality.
• Create comprehensive manufacturing drawings, bills of materials (BOMs), and assembly instructions suitable for outsourced production.
• Collaborate remotely with project managers, software engineers, and hardware specialists to define system requirements and integrate mechanical designs effectively.
• Troubleshoot and resolve design-related issues encountered during prototyping, testing, or production phases.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends in automation and robotics, recommending improvements and innovations.
• Prepare and present technical design reviews to internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Ensure designs meet all relevant safety standards and performance specifications.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 4 years of hands-on experience in mechanical design, with a focus on automation, robotics, or custom machinery.
• Proficiency in 3D parametric modeling software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor, Fusion 360) and 2D drafting.
• Solid understanding of manufacturing processes such as CNC machining, 3D printing, sheet metal fabrication, and assembly techniques.
• Experience with designing for mechatronic systems, including integration of sensors, actuators, and control components.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for effective remote collaboration.
• Ability to manage multiple design tasks concurrently and meet project deadlines in a remote setting.
• Experience with motion control and kinematics is highly desirable.

Benefits

• This contract role offers a competitive hourly rate commensurate with experience and expertise.
• As a remote position, it provides significant flexibility in work location and hours.
• Successful candidates will gain exposure to a wide range of innovative projects and have the opportunity to collaborate with a talented, globally distributed team.
• Our client values innovation and offers a dynamic work environment where your contributions directly impact project success.
• This is an excellent opportunity to expand your portfolio and work on challenging, state-of-the-art automation solutions from the comfort of your home office.