Mechanical Engineer - Product Design and Development

Placements24; Soweto; Hybrid; ZAR 350,000 - 620,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and bonuses

Comprehensive health and wellness

Flexible hybrid work arrangement

Paid time off and holidays

On-the-job training and growth

Retirement savings options

Collaborative and innovative team in [

Job summary

Placements24 in Soweto seeks a proactive Mechanical Engineer to join our product design and development team in a hybrid role with in‑office collaboration and remote work. You will participate in all phases of the product development cycle, from concept generation and detailed design to prototyping and manufacturing support.

The ideal candidate has a mechanical engineering background, strong CAD skills, and a passion for turning ideas into durable consumer products.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 2+ years in mechanical design and product development.
• Proficient in SolidWorks, Inventor or Fusion 360.
• Strong fundamentals in statics, dynamics and materials science.
• Experience with manufacturing processes such as injection molding, sheet metal fabrication, and machining.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and assemblies for new consumer products using 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Fusion 360).
• Create detailed engineering drawings, specifications, and Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Conduct basic structural, thermal, and kinematic analyses to ensure design integrity.
• Collaborate with industrial designers, electrical engineers, and marketing teams to define product features and aesthetics.
• Build and test prototypes, analyze results, and implement design revisions based on findings.
• Support the transition of designs into mass production, working with manufacturing partners.
• Troubleshoot mechanical issues encountered during development and production phases.
• Ensure product designs meet performance, cost, safety, and quality targets.
• Stay informed about new materials, manufacturing technologies, and industry trends.
• Contribute to design reviews and brainstorming sessions.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Time management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

Fusion 360

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly growing company in the durable goods sector, is seeking a proactive Mechanical Engineer to join their product design and development team in Soweto . This hybrid role offers the opportunity to contribute to the creation of innovative and high-quality consumer products, balancing valuable in-office collaboration with the flexibility of remote work. You will be involved in all phases of the product development cycle, from initial concept generation and detailed design to prototyping, testing, and manufacturing support. We are looking for an engineer with a strong foundation in mechanical principles, excellent CAD skills, and a passion for bringing new products to life. The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented problem solver eager to learn and grow within a fast-paced environment. Our client is committed to fostering a supportive workplace culture and provides excellent opportunities for career advancement within the exciting field of product development in Soweto .

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and assemblies for new consumer products using 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Fusion 360).
• Create detailed engineering drawings, specifications, and Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Conduct basic structural, thermal, and kinematic analyses to ensure design integrity.
• Collaborate with industrial designers, electrical engineers, and marketing teams to define product features and aesthetics.
• Build and test prototypes, analyze results, and implement design revisions based on findings.
• Support the transition of designs into mass production, working with manufacturing partners.
• Troubleshoot mechanical issues encountered during development and production phases.
• Ensure product designs meet performance, cost, safety, and quality targets.
• Stay informed about new materials, manufacturing technologies, and industry trends.
• Contribute to design reviews and brainstorming sessions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field.
• 2+ years of experience in mechanical design and product development.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor, Fusion 360).
• Understanding of fundamental mechanical engineering principles, including statics, dynamics, and materials science.
• Experience with common manufacturing processes such as injection molding, sheet metal fabrication, and machining.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to manage time effectively in a hybrid work setup.
• Familiarity with product testing and validation methodologies.
• Eagerness to learn and contribute in a dynamic product development environment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and potential for annual bonuses.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Flexible hybrid work arrangement.
• Paid time off and company holidays.
• Opportunities for on-the-job training and professional growth.
• Retirement savings options.
• A collaborative and innovative work environment in Soweto .
• Be part of creating exciting new products for consumers.