Mechanical Development Engineer - Agricultural Machinery

Placements24; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 950,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development and training

Collaborative and innovative work env

Job summary

Placements24 in Paarl, Western Cape, is seeking a Mechanical Development Engineer to join its product innovation team. This hands-on role focuses on design, prototyping, testing, and continuous improvement of agricultural machinery for field use.

You will work with agronomists and manufacturing specialists, translate market needs into technical specs, build and test prototypes, and document performance. The ideal candidate has a mechanical engineering degree, at least four years of experience in

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of mechanical design and development experience.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks or Inventor) and simulations.
• Strong understanding of machine design, materials, and manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of mechanical systems and components for agricultural machinery.
• Perform design analysis including stress, vibration, and fatigue calculations.
• Build and test prototypes and document performance.
• Collaborate with manufacturing engineers to optimize designs for production.
• Translate market needs into technical requirements and test plans.
• Conduct field testing and gather end-user feedback.
• Troubleshoot issues and maintain detailed technical documentation.
• Stay current with advancements in agricultural machinery.

Skills

Mechanical design

3D CAD

SolidWorks

Inventor

Simulation tools

Problem solving

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent manufacturer of agricultural machinery, is seeking a dedicated Mechanical Development Engineer to join their product innovation team in Paarl, Western Cape. This role is instrumental in the research, design, and testing of new agricultural equipment and the enhancement of existing product lines. The ideal candidate will have a strong mechanical engineering foundation, a passion for agricultural technology, and a proven ability to bring innovative concepts from ideation to prototype. You will work closely with a multidisciplinary team, including agronomists and manufacturing specialists, to develop machinery that meets the evolving needs of the farming community. This is a hands-on position focused on practical application and field testing, contributing directly to the efficiency and productivity of modern agriculture. The role is based on-site in Paarl, ensuring close collaboration with manufacturing and field operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of new mechanical systems and components for agricultural machinery, focusing on durability, efficiency, and ease of use.
• Conduct design analysis, including stress, vibration, and fatigue calculations, using appropriate simulation tools.
• Build and test prototypes, documenting performance and identifying areas for improvement.
• Collaborate with manufacturing engineers to ensure designs are optimized for production processes and cost-effectiveness.
• Work with the product management team to understand market needs and translate them into technical requirements.
• Perform field testing of new equipment, gathering data and feedback from end-users.
• Troubleshoot mechanical issues encountered during development and production.
• Maintain accurate and detailed technical documentation, including drawings, specifications, and test reports.
• Stay informed about technological advancements and trends in agricultural machinery and related fields.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in mechanical design and development, preferably within the agricultural or heavy equipment sector.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor) and simulation tools.
• Strong understanding of machine design principles, mechanics of materials, and relevant manufacturing processes (e.g., fabrication, machining, hydraulics).
• Experience with agricultural practices and machinery is a significant plus.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a hands-on approach to development.
• Good communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to manage time effectively and work independently on development projects.
• Based in or willing to relocate to Paarl, Western Cape.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary, up to R per annum .
• Opportunity to contribute to the advancement of agricultural technology.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Professional development and training programs available.
• Collaborative and innovative work environment focused on practical engineering solutions.
• Direct impact on the productivity and success of the agricultural sector.