Mechanical Engineer - Product Development

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Hybrid work

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to drive the mechanical design of consumer products from concept through prototyping to production readiness. The role involves hands‑on work with prototypes and close collaboration with designers and manufacturing partners in a hybrid on‑site/remote setup at the Nelspruit office.

You will use CAD tools such as Fusion 360 or SolidWorks to create detailed 3D models, 2D drawings and BOMs, perform design validation with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years of mechanical design and product development.
• Strong CAD skills; basic FEA helpful.
• Experience with plastics, metal stamping, and assembly.

Responsibilities

• Design mechanical components for new products using CAD.
• Create 3D models, drawings, and BOMs.
• Prototype, test, and analyze to validate design performance.
• Collaborate with industrial designers for aesthetics and function.
• Work with manufacturing to optimize for mass production and cost.

Skills

3D CAD

FEA knowledge

Prototyping

Materials understanding

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Fusion 360

SolidWorks

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic consumer product development company, is seeking a motivated Mechanical Engineer to join their innovative team in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga . This role focuses on the mechanical aspects of new product development, from initial concept and design through to prototyping, testing, and production readiness. You will be instrumental in bringing innovative products to market, working with a talented team of designers and engineers. The position involves hands‑on work with prototypes and collaborating closely with manufacturing partners. This role adopts a hybrid work model, offering a blend of on‑site collaboration and remote flexibility, based in our Nelspruit office.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and systems for new consumer products using CAD software (e.g., Fusion 360, SolidWorks).
• Create detailed 3D models, 2D drawings, and Bills of Materials (BOMs) for product components.
• Conduct design validation through prototyping, testing, and analysis to ensure performance and reliability.
• Collaborate with industrial designers to ensure aesthetic and functional requirements are met.
• Work closely with manufacturing engineers to ensure designs are optimized for mass production and cost-effectiveness.
• Troubleshoot mechanical issues during development and production phases.
• Research and evaluate new materials and manufacturing processes relevant to consumer products.
• Participate in product design reviews and contribute to project timelines and milestones in Mpumalanga .

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in mechanical design and product development.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software and basic understanding of FEA is advantageous.
• Experience with plastic injection molding, metal stamping, and assembly processes.
• Strong understanding of material properties and their application in consumer goods.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a keen eye for detail.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, adaptable to a hybrid work environment.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team in Nelspruit .

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and a benefits package that includes medical aid and opportunities for professional development.
• Enjoy the flexibility of a hybrid work arrangement, promoting a healthy work-life balance.
• Be part of a creative and innovative company that values employee contributions.
• Work on exciting new products that impact consumers' daily lives.
• This role is based in Nelspruit , providing a great professional environment within the scenic Mpumalanga province.