Mechanical Engineer - Product Development (New Product Introduction)

Placements24; Graafwater; On-site; ZAR 550,000 - 850,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement benefits

Training & mentorship

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to join the New Product Introduction (NPI) team in Paarl, Western Cape. You will contribute across concept to mass production, combining design, analysis, prototyping, and testing to ensure robust, manufacturable products.

You will collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, and quality assurance to deliver designs that meet performance requirements, while applying CAD, FEA, and manufacturing knowledge in a fast-paced NPI environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• 2–4 years of mechanical design and NPI experience.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks or Inventor and basic FEA.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes (injection molding, machining).

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and systems for new products using CAD software.
• Conduct engineering analysis (FEA, thermal) to validate designs and predict performance.
• Create detailed 3D models, 2D drawings, and BOMs for new product components.
• Support prototype builds and testing activities, troubleshooting issues and implementing design modifications.
• Collaborate with manufacturing engineers to optimize designs for mass production.
• Work with quality team to define inspection criteria and ensure reliability.
• Document design changes, test results, and process parameters.
• Participate in cross-functional NPI team meetings with technical insights.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and product safety regulations.

Skills

3D CAD

FEA

Cross-functional collaboration

DFM/DFMEA

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

FEA tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for a dedicated Mechanical Engineer to join their New Product Introduction (NPI) team in Paarl, Western Cape . This role is integral to the successful launch of new products, requiring a blend of design, analysis, prototyping, and testing expertise. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, including R&D, manufacturing, and quality assurance, to ensure that new mechanical designs are robust, manufacturable, and meet all performance requirements. This position offers a fantastic opportunity to be involved in the entire product development lifecycle, from concept to mass production, within a company committed to innovation. The scenic Paarl location provides a unique and pleasant working environment in the heart of the Western Cape.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and systems for new products using CAD software.
• Conduct engineering analysis (FEA, thermal) to validate designs and predict performance under various conditions.
• Create detailed 3D models, 2D drawings, and Bills of Materials (BOMs) for new product components.
• Support prototype builds and testing activities, troubleshooting issues and implementing design modifications.
• Collaborate with manufacturing engineers to ensure designs are optimized for efficient and high-quality mass production.
• Work closely with the quality team to define inspection criteria and ensure product reliability.
• Document design changes, test results, and manufacturing process parameters thoroughly.
• Participate in cross-functional NPI team meetings, contributing technical expertise and insights.
• Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards and product safety regulations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering field.
• 2-4 years of experience in mechanical design and product development, with exposure to NPI processes.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor) and basic FEA tools.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes relevant to new product introduction (e.g., injection molding, machining).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with statistical process control (SPC) and design for manufacturing (DFM) principles is a plus.
• Eagerness to learn and contribute to innovative product development.

Benefits

Our client provides a competitive salary, comprehensive medical aid, and retirement benefits. We offer ample opportunities for professional growth through training, mentorship, and involvement in diverse product development projects. This role is situated in our modern facility in Paarl, Western Cape , offering a stimulating and pleasant working environment. We are dedicated to fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, where your contributions are valued and recognized. Join our NPI team and play a key role in bringing exciting new products to market.