Mechanical Engineer - Product Design & Development

Placements24; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 620,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Generous paid time off

Career development

Hybrid work model

Access to prototyping equipment

Job summary

Placements24 in Johannesburg is seeking a proactive Mechanical Engineer for a hybrid role in Randburg. You will lead the full product development lifecycle, from concept design through to detailed engineering, prototyping, and manufacturing support, collaborating with designers, electrical engineers, and product managers.

The ideal candidate has strong CAD/CAE skills, knowledge of materials and manufacturing processes, and a passion for innovative solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 3–5 years of mechanical product design and development experience.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks, Inventor or Fusion 360.
• Experience with CAE tools for structural/thermal analysis.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes (injection molding, CNC, 3D printing).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective communication in a hybrid environment.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Design mechanical components and assemblies for new products.
• Create detailed 3D CAD models, 2D drawings, and BOMs.
• Perform stress, thermal, and kinematic analyses.
• Collaborate with industrial designers to refine concepts.
• Work with manufacturing engineers to optimize for mass production.
• Oversee prototyping and testing activities.
• Contribute to product documentation and design reviews.
• Stay updated on new technologies in product design.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Project management

Hybrid work adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

Fusion 360

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a well-established company specializing in consumer and industrial product development, is seeking a proactive Mechanical Engineer to join their hybrid team in Randburg . This role focuses on the complete product development lifecycle, from initial concept design through to detailed engineering, prototyping, and manufacturing support. You will be instrumental in developing innovative and reliable mechanical solutions that meet market demands and customer expectations. The ideal candidate will possess strong mechanical design skills, proficiency in CAD/CAE software, and a solid understanding of materials and manufacturing processes. Collaboration is essential, as you will work closely with industrial designers, electrical engineers, and product managers to bring new products to market. We are looking for a creative problem‑solver with excellent analytical abilities and a passion for product innovation. The Randburg area offers a vibrant business ecosystem, and the hybrid work model ensures a balance between focused independent design work and vital on-site team collaboration, access to testing facilities, and hands‑on development. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a diverse range of exciting products and impact the company's success through innovative engineering solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and assemblies for new products.
• Create detailed 3D CAD models, 2D manufacturing drawings, and Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Perform engineering analysis (e.g., stress, thermal, kinematic) to validate designs.
• Collaborate with industrial designers to refine concepts and ensure manufacturability.
• Work with manufacturing engineers to optimize designs for mass production (DFM/DFA).
• Oversee and participate in prototyping and testing activities.
• Troubleshoot design issues and provide technical support during product launch.
• Select appropriate materials and manufacturing processes for product components.
• Contribute to product documentation, technical reports, and design reviews.
• Stay updated on emerging technologies and trends in product design and development.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in mechanical product design and development.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor, Fusion 360).
• Experience with CAE tools for structural and thermal analysis.
• Knowledge of various manufacturing processes (e.g., injection molding, CNC machining, 3D printing).
• Understanding of materials science and its application in product design.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities in a hybrid environment.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance incentives.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.
• Opportunities for career advancement and professional development.
• Hybrid work model for flexibility and work‑life balance.
• Creative and collaborative work atmosphere.
• Access to modern prototyping and testing equipment.